By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Hudson pitches a shutout as Braves win 3-0
Braves 3 col BW
Umpire Jim Joyce, right, watches as Atlanta Braves' Edgar Renteria, left, scores on Washington Nationals Jesus Flores, center, on a double hit by Mark Teixeira in the third inning at RFK Stadium Sunday in Washington. The Atlanta Braves won the game by a score of 3-0. - photo by Associated Press

    WASHINGTON — Tim Hudson held Washington to seven hits in a complete game, the first by an Atlanta pitcher this season, and the Braves topped the Nationals 3-0 on Sunday to keep their flickering playoff hopes alive.

    Hudson (16-8) broke a three-game losing streak and needed only 100 pitches for his 10th career shutout and 21st complete game. He improved to 4-0 against Washington this season, giving up only two runs in 30 innings. T

    he right-hander allowed two first-inning singles and scattered five more hits the rest of the way. D’Angelo Jimenez led off the sixth with a double, advanced to third on an infield out and was stranded there. Hudson walked one, struck out six and added a single and double.

    The Braves began the day 8 1/2 games behind the front-running New York Mets in the NL East and 5 1/2 games behind the San Diego Padres in the NL wild-card race.

    Atlanta got the only runs it needed in the third on Mark Teixeira’s two-run, bases-loaded single to right field. Hudson led off with an infield single, and one out later, Edgar Renteria and Chipper Jones drew walks. Teixeira followed with a base hit off Shawn Hill (4-4) just past first baseman Robert Fick’s glove.

    Kelly Johnson broke an 0-for-14 streak with his 16th home run of the year, a line shot to center with two outs in the fourth that padded the lead.

    Hill, who missed three months with a sore right elbow, lost for the first time since May 1. In his previous eight starts, he had two wins and six no-decisions.

Notes: Atlanta purchased the contract of OF Brandon Jones from Triple-A Richmond on Sunday. He started — giving the Braves three players with the same last name in the lineup. Chipper and Andruw Jones also started. It was the first time a team started three players with the same last name since the Pittsburgh Pirates had three players named Brown start on Sept. 29, 1999. Brandon Jones was 0-for-4. ... Washington 1B Dmitri Young missed the game with a stiff neck and a headache. Young was hit by a hard shot from Teixeira in Saturday’s game. ... Atlanta RHP Buddy Carlyle has a hyperextended right elbow and will miss his Tuesday start.