By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Lucky number 13
Braves win streak stays alive
Braves Nationals Base Heal WEB
Atlanta Braves' Justin Upton, right, gets a hug from teammate Freddie Freeman (5) after hitting a home run against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning on Wednesday in Washington. - photo by Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Jason Heyward singled and Justin Upton doubled in a three-run eighth inning Wednesday night in the Atlanta Braves' sweep-capping 6-3 win over the Washington Nationals, a game played nicely by both sides one night after a fastball to Bryce Harper's thigh cleared both benches. Upton also homered, and Kris Medlen (9-10) allowed three runs and three hits over seven innings as the Braves won their 13th straight to take a staggering-for-early-August 15½-game lead over the second-place Nationals in the NL East. While Atlanta has a ways to go before it can mathematically clinch, the three-game dismissal of Washington was undoubtedly a psychological clincher that only could be undone by a monumental collapse.