Atlanta Braves fall to Nationals 8-1 in strong start for Roark

Atlanta bats couldn’t put together their usual comeback effort as the undefeated Nationals came to town to begin a three game set.

The Atlanta Braves (2-2)  hosted the Washington Nationals (4-0) at SunTrust Park Monday night to continue N.L. East action.

Sean Newcomb got the start for Atlanta and had a rough start, giving up five earned runs on five hits in four-and-a-third innings. He walked four and struck out six. Newcomb struggled with allowing leadoff hitters aboard (though not always his own fault) and it came back to bite him.

The Nationals picked up a pair of runs in the first, three more in the second off Newcomb. Peter Moylan came on in relief in the fifth, pitching two thirds an inning. He allowed two hits with a walk and a strikeout. Washington picked up their sixth run with Moylan on the mound, but that run was charged to Newcomb.

The Braves couldn’t get much going on offense against Nats starter Tanner Roark who pitched seven innings. He gave up just one run on four hits, walking one and striking out six Braves batters.

Bryce Harper had a big night for the Nats, going 1-for-1 with four walks, three runs and three RBI.

For Atlanta, Ender Inciarte and Freddie Freeman led the team’s limited production Monday night. Inciarte went 1-for-4 with a run, while Freeman had a 1-for-2 night with a walk and an RBI.

Anibal Sanchez saw some action out of the bullpen, giving up a hit and three walks in three innings of work. He struck out a pair of batters. Pedro Severino also had a productive outing, going 2-for-2 with a pair of walks, a run and an RBI.

The ninth inning was a struggle for Jose Ramirez, who gave up gave up a pair of runs on two hits, walking two and striking out a batter. Sam Freeman had to come in and finish the last third of the inning with the bases loaded and Harper at the plate. Freeman threw one pitch that drew a ground ball straight to Freddie Freeman for the putout and end of the inning.

Overall, the Nationals got Braves pitchers for eight runs on ten hits. Atlanta’s lineup, on the other hand, was limited to just one run on four hits.

Next: Braves left-handed pitcher Luiz Gohara takes a step forward to returning

Atlanta and Washington square off in game two of three in the series Tuesday night with the usual 7:35 p.m. start at SunTrust Park.