WASHINGTON — Doug Fister pitched seven shutout innings, leading the Washington Nationals to a 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Monday night in the opener of a three-game series between the top teams in the NL East. Adam LaRoche had two hits, and Ian Desmond and Anthony Rendon each drove in a run for Washington, which increased its division lead over Atlanta to eight games. Atlanta began play trailing the Pirates by a half-game for the second NL wild card.