Nationals strike first versus Braves (Nats win 2-1)

The Nationals were able to break the ice early against the rival Braves. Each of these games are so important, but manager Matt Williams repeated during pregame that it is just another game. But a sweep either way would make a huge statement with games, and the season, dwindling down to a precious few. Doug Fister allowed just a Freddie Freeman base hit in the first. With two outs in the bottom of the first and Anthony Rendon on base, Adam LaRoche and Ian Desmond had back-to-back singles to right and the Nationals lead 1-0 after one frame. Desmond's RBI single was such a nice, easy swing. Good to see from him, since it seemed like he was swinging for Half Street every at-bat recently. Update: Fister is doing very well. Halfway through the game, he has allowed two hits and no batter has gotten past second base. He has not allowed a hit since the second inning. Heading to the bottom of the fifth, the Nationals lead 1-0. Update II: Fister completed seven innings, allowing only two hits and no runs while walking three and striking out four. He threw 104 pitches, 71 for strikes. In the seventh, the Nationals loaded the bases with one out. Wilson Ramos singled and Asdrubal Cabrera doubled before Denard Span was intentionally walked. Jeff Kobernus pinch-ran for Ramos at third. Anthony Rendon's grounder toward the second baseman turned into a fielder's choice to get the out at second, but that allowed Kobernus to score from third to extend the Nationals' lead to 2-0. Update III: In the eighth, Matt Thornton allowed a run-scoring single to Freddie Freeman, but no other damage and the Nationals' lead is down to 2-1. The run charged to Tyler Clippard. Update IV: In the ninth, Drew Storen struck out Chris Johnson, caught Tommy La Stella looking for a third strike and Andrelton Simmons struck out to end the game. It was Storen's third save. The Nationals defeat the Braves 2-1 and now lead the National League East by eight games.