Nats offense gets to Wisler early and often in 7-0 win over Braves

The Nationals did not waste any time getting to Braves rookie right-hander Matt Wisler in Thursday's getaway matchup. They scored six runs in the first three innings and cruised to a 7-0 win and a series sweep.

The biggest hit was from shortstop Ian Desmond, who crushed a two-run shot to cap the scoring in the third. The Nationals pounded out seven hits in the first three frames. Wisler lasted four innings and allowed nine hits and six runs, but only four of the runs were earned.

Every starter got at least one hit in the first three frames. Yunel Escobar had an RBI groundout and Clint Robinson a run-scoring single along with the Desmond homer.

"We had a pretty good approach today," Desmond said. "Hit a lot of balls hard. A couple of them got caught. Michael Taylor swung the bat really well today - not a lot to show for it, but he's starting to hit his groove and show what he can do. T-Mo (Tyler Moore) stepped up today, Clint, these guys are all coming up big for us. It's going to be important going down the stretch that we kind of hit our stride."

The Nationals were elementary early on, at least from an arithmetic standpoint, scoring one, two and three runs in the first three innings, instead of producing pitcher-friendly 1-2-3 innings.

Manager Matt Williams was impressed with the patience the offense showed early against Wisler to manufacture runs.

Example: Danny Espinosa sacrificed in first at-bat to get Denard Span to third base with less than two outs.

"Danny's got options there when he walks to the plate in the first inning," Williams said. "He can get a ball to pull, he can lay down a bunt. He assesses the situation and does what's needed for the team. If we can continue to play that way, then we can do some things, we can score some runs. Two-out base hits are huge. We saw a couple of those today with guys in scoring position. Those things help you win games. They make your team offensively thrive a little bit."

Example: Escobar's grounder to right side to plate first run of game.

"Great job by Yuni knowing the infield was back and simply getting fisted and hitting a ground ball to second," Williams said. "Often times, that's what it takes to get your offense going, score that early one. Guys were unselfish today. Ian, on his own, tried to push a bunt to get a guy from second to third later in the game. That's unselfish baseball and that's team baseball. Happy for everybody, everybody contributed today."

Right-hander Doug Fister said the early runs always help the starter, but he doesn't always know how many runs were scored.

"Guys went out and scored early and put pressure on them," Fister said. "I don't check the score, but I can sense a feeling in the guys when they go out and score. They've got huge confidence and they put great at-bats together. That's what we want, is our whole team to be flowing with confidence and knowing that we've got the momentum and we can stay behind one another."

Desmond's blast in the third inning provided an almost insurmountable lead, considering how good the starters have been the last 41-plus innings.

How did Desmond like his sixth home run and first since June 6?

"I don't really discriminate on hits," Desmond smiled. "I don't care where they go. Two strikes, I laid off some balls in the dirt which has been a struggle lately. I'm seeing the ball a lot better. I was able to get one out of the park today."

Coupled with last night's hot liner to left field to win the game in extra innings, Desmond is getting into a good form again at the plate. He was 2-for-4 Thursday.

"Yeah, he stayed on a fastball away and hit it over the fence and then got another base hit later in the game," Williams said. "Happy for him that he was able to get that homer. The ball the other way and the ball through the middle are really good signs. Means he's staying on it, seeing it good. Hopefully that will get him hot and get him rolling."

Robinson went 2-for-3 with a walk and a RBI. He has raised his average to .269 with five starts in his last eight games. Four or five plate appearances each game pay dividends.

"I feel comfortable," Robinson said. "Getting consistent at-bats definitely helps and pitchers are making mistakes and trying to just capitalize on them. I'm just going out there doing the same thing I do every day, just not trying to do too much and take what they give me."