Nats down the Braves 7-4

The Washington Nationals got an important win tonight, 7-4 win over second place Atlanta Braves.  With the win, the Nationals pull 2 games ahead of the Braves.  Big win to start off a 12 game swing through the National League East.

Ross Detwiler struggled again in the start, allowing 5 hits and 3 runs over 4.1 innings.  Through 4.1 innings, Detwiler threw 100 pitches.  He was unable to get a decision.  The decision went to Chien-Ming Wang (1-0) making his season debut with the Nats.  Wang threw 3 innings and allowed 1 run on 3 hits.  Tyler Clippard earned his second save, sitting down the Braves in the ninth inning.

Ryan Zimmerman made the Braves and starter Tim Hudson pay.  Big time.   With runners on second and third with 2 outs, Hudson intentionally walked Bryce Harper to get to Zimmerman.   Zim made the Braves pay, doubling off Hudson and emptying the bases to give the Nationals an insurmountable 7-3 lead.  Zimmerman was 2 for 4 on the night with 3 RBI. Rick Ankiel was 2 for 4 and hit his first triple of the season, scoring Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa.   Desmond remained hot, going 1 for 3 and driving in Zimmerman and Harper to start off a 4 run first inning.   Desmond is 15 for 46 over his last 11 games with 11 RBi.  Harper was 1 for 3 with 2 runs scored.  He is batting .269 on the season.

The Nats improve to 27-18 and take a 2 game lead over the Braves.