Bryce Harper three-run blast and Roark cruises (Nats win 8-1)

ATLANTA - A struggle early for Braves left-hander Sean Newcomb. His defense did not help him. In the first, Trea Turner reached on a fielding error by Freddie Freeman. Turner went to third on Newcomb's throwing error. Anthony Rendon's groundout to shortstop scored Turner.

Unable to find the strike zone in the first, Newcomb then walked Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman.

Howie Kendrick followed with a run-scoring double off the right field wall. Harper slid under the tag and bobble of Braves catcher Chris Stewart.

The Nationals led 2-0 after one.

In the second, Pedro Severino and Rendon singled. Harper followed with a mammoth three-run shot over the center field wall. His first-pitch three-run shot pushed the Nats lead to 5-0. It was his third homer of the season.

Tanner Roark retired the side in his first two frames. He has two strikeouts.

After two innings, the Nats are up 5-0.

Update: Braves get a run in the fourth inning on an RBI single by Freddie Freeman. The Nats scored in fifth on a bases loaded single from Severino.

Newcomb finished four and 1/3 innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on five hits with four walks and six strikeouts. He fired 97 pitches, 61 for strikes.

The Nats lead 6-1 after four and a half in Atlanta.

Update: A very impressive night for Roark. He went seven innings allowing only one run on four hits with six strikeouts and one walk. He threw 93 pitches, 62 for strikes. Shawn Kelley came in for first time this season and retired the Braves in order with two strikeouts.

Nats lead 6-1 after eight.

Update: In the ninth, Brian Goodwin smacked a two-run single in the ninth. Harper's eight consecutive at-bats reaching base ended on a groundout to first base with the bases loaded.

Reliever Matt Grace pitched a scoreless ninth, a great bounce back for the bullpen.

Harper finished with a three-run homer, four walks and three runs scored.

Roark was outstanding in his first start since September 27, 2017.

The Nats have won four straight to begin the season.

Final score: the Nats 8, the Braves 1.