Murphy's power earns early advantage for Strasburg (Nats win 3-2)

ATLANTA - The Nationals are seeing Braves left-hander Jaime García well to begin this one.

Wilmer Difo hit a long triple in the first inning.

In the second frame, Daniel Murphy led off with a solo homer to center field to give the Nationals a 1-0 lead. It was his ninth homer of the season and third in the past four games.

Later in the inning, Michael A. Taylor singled and stole second. But Jose Lobaton grounded out and Stephen Strasburg struck out swinging.

Strasburg has put down the Braves in order in the first two innings. He has three strikeouts and has not allowed a base hit.

After two in Atlanta, the Nationals lead the Braves 1-0.

Update: Trea Turner and Difo got on base to begin the third inning, thanks to a pair of Atlanta errors. Harper then singled to score Turner. Ryan Zimmerman grounded into a double play that scored Difo. No RBI for the batter on the play and both runs are unearned, even though the pitcher made one of the errors. Never understood that.

Mid-third, the Nationals lead the Braves 3-0.

Update II: Strasburg has been outstanding. He has allowed two hits and no runs through five innings, with no walks and six strikeouts. He is up to only 71 pitches, 55 for strikes.

After five in Atlanta, the Nationals lead the Braves 3-0.

Update III: Strasburg almost got through eight innings. But with two outs and and two men on, Dansby Swanson doubled to right center field. It appeared that Harper had a chance to catch the long drive, but it glanced off his glove. Swanson had struck out three times before he drove the 3-2 pitch for extra bases. Two runs scored.

Strasburg was lifted. Koda Glover came in and struck out Nick Markakis to keep the Nationals in the lead.

After eight innings, the Nationals lead the Braves 3-2.

Update IV: Glover stayed in for the ninth. Matt Kemp singled. Matt Adams' hot shot went on the fly right to Ryan Zimmerman, who caught it and tagged first for the double play. Kurt Suzuki popped up to first to end the game.

Glover records his third save. Strasburg is 5-1.

Final score: the Nats 3, the Braves 2.