Adams homer helps Strasburg early (Nats fall 8-5)

The Braves moved quickly to score first against the Nats right-hander Stephen Strasburg. Ronald Acuña Jr., singled and stole second. Ozzie Albies doubled to score Acuña. Freddie Freeman's grounder to third base was enough to score Albies because first baseman Matt Adams had to stretch to the ground to catch the throw from third baseman Anthony Rendon.

The Nationals were aggressive in their own right in the bottom of the first against Braves starter Aníbal Sánchez. Adam Eaton walked and was sacrificed to second base on a Trea Turner bunt. Bryce Harper singled. Then the Nats pulled off a double steal. Harper stole second and Eaton raced home to beat the throw.

The Nats loaded the bases in the second inning, highlighted by a Matt Wieters double and a Strasburg single. But with one out, Turner stuck out looking and Harper grounded out to second base.

Adams crushed a solo homer to right field in the third. Fifteen of his 16 homers against right-handers.

After three innings, the Braves and the Nats are tied at 2-2.

Update: With one out in the fourth, Kurt Suzuki and Johan Camargo connected on back-to-back doubles. Camargo's two-bagger scored former Nats catcher Suzuki and the Braves retook the lead.

Mid-fourth, the Braves lead 3-2.

Update II: The Braves continued to hit well against Strasburg in the fifth with two doubles and two singles. Freeman's two-run double made it 5-2. Nick Markakis' sacrifice fly to center field scored Freeman.

Turner launched a solo homer to lead off the bottom of the fifth.

Strasburg was pulled in favor of Justin Miller after allowing a walk to Ender Inciarte. Strasburg finished 4 2/3 innings, allowing six runs on eight hits with two walks (one intentional) and six strikeouts. He threw 98 pitches, 64 for strikes.

After five innings, the Braves lead the Nats 6-3.

Update III: Charlie Culberson homered off of Miller in the fifth.

After six innings, the Braves lead the Nats 7-3.

Update IV: Acuña hit a line drive solo shot to left field off of Shawn Kelley.

Mid-eighth, the Braves lead the Nats 8-3.

Juan Soto slammed a two-run shot over the left-center field wall in the eighth. His 10th homer of the season.

After eight, the Braves lead the Nats 8-5.

Update V: Facing A.J. Minter in the ninth, pinch-hitter Michael A. Taylor got called out on strikes. Eaton lined out to left field. Turner popped out to first base to end the game. Minter has five saves.

Final score: Braves 8, Nats 5.

The Nats fall to 48-49. They are 4-7 versus the Braves this season.