Zimmerman's triple sparks another fast start (Nats win 4-1)

Ryan Zimmerman has had a tough start to the season at the plate. Coming into Tuesday's matchup with Atlanta, Zimmerman was hitting just .097 (3-for-31) with one homer and three RBIs.

In the first inning, Brian Goodwin walked and Bryce Harper singled in front of Zimmerman against Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz. Pushed to the No. 5 spot in the batting order, Zimmerman tripled on a sharp line drive to Braves left fielder Preston Tucker. Goodwin and Harper scored.

Right-hander Stephen Strasburg allowed a base hit in each of the first two frames and did not strikeout a batter, but did not allow a run.

Strasburg also contributed a two-out single to right field in the second inning.

Back on the mound in the third, Strasburg locked up a pair of called third strikes.

Meanwhile the Nationals have had at leas one base hit in each inning against Foltynewicz.

After three innings, the Nats lead the Braves 2-0.

Update: In the fourth, Wilmer Difo reached on an error and Strasburg walked. With two outs, Goodwin singled to score Difo.

Meanwhile, Strasburg has retired 11 batters in a row, including six by strikeout.

Mid-fifth inning, the Nats lead the Braves 3-0.

Update: Foltynewicz lasts five innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts. He threw 104 pitches, 65 for strikes.

The Nats tagged on a run in the sixth. Difo and Severino singled. Strasburg reached on a sacrifice and then advanced on a throwing error by relief pitcher Shane Carle, which allowed Difo to score.

Strasburg is through seven innings and has allowed only one hit since the second.

After six and a half innings, the Nats lead 4-0.

Update: Strasburg finished eight innings, scattered three hits and allowed no runs with two walks and eight strikeouts, with one wild pitch. He threw 103 pitches, 64 for strikes.

Sammy Solís pitched the ninth. Ozzie Albies doubled. Freddie Freeman was out thanks to a diving catch by Michael A. Taylor in center field. Nick Markakis walked. Ryan Madson replaced Solis. Pinch-hitter Kurt Suzuki flew out to left field.

Dansby Swanson doubled off the left field wall to score Albies. The Nats lead was 4-1.

WIth men on second and third, Ryan Flaherty struck out on low strike.

The Nats win 4-1. Madson earns first save.