The Atlanta Braves secured a decisive 5-0 victory over the Washington Nationals in the second game of a doubleheader on September 26, 2023. This win completed a sweep for the Braves, marking their fourth consecutive victory. The game was highlighted by a pivotal double from pinch hitter Drake Baldwin, which ignited a five-run rally in the 10th inning.
Baldwin’s crucial hit came off Mason Thompson (1-1), driving in automatic runner Michael Harris II for the first run of the game. The Braves continued to capitalize on their momentum as Ha-Seong Kim singled and Jurickson Profar walked to load the bases with one out. Matt Olson then stepped up, clearing the bases with a triple, extending the lead to 3-0. After PJ Poulin replaced Thompson and issued a walk to Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies added to the tally with a sacrifice fly, bringing the score to 5-0.
In a strong performance, Tyler Kinley (6-3) pitched the ninth and 10th innings for Atlanta, allowing just two hits while striking out one and not issuing any walks. This solid effort followed a remarkable start from Chris Sale, who dominated the mound for eight innings, allowing only three hits and striking out nine batters.
The first game of the doubleheader had already seen the Braves triumph 6-3. The second game faced a two-hour rain delay before it commenced. MacKenzie Gore took the mound for Washington, delivering 5 1/3 scoreless innings, during which he struck out five and allowed only two hits. However, the Nationals struggled to contain the Braves’ offense in the later innings.
Thompson’s relief appearance proved costly; he allowed five runs (four earned) while recording just one out. The Nationals have now lost six of their last eight games, further complicating their season. Following a leadoff single from Nasim Nunez in the first inning, Sale went on to retire nine consecutive batters before allowing another hit.
Despite a threatening seventh inning for Atlanta, where Harris doubled and advanced to third, the Braves were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. Konnor Pilkington took over pitching duties for the Nationals in the eighth, permitting a walk to Profar but ultimately escaping the inning without conceding any runs.
As the game progressed, Sale maintained his focus, striking out Jacob Young to end the eighth, preserving the scoreless tie until the dramatic tenth inning. The Braves now sit at a record of 69-83, while the Nationals stand at 62-90 as the season approaches its conclusion.
