Nationals Overpower Braves 10-6 with Season-High 5 Home Runs

ATLANTA — The Washington Nationals defeated the Atlanta Braves 10-6 on Friday night, powered by a season-high 5 home runs from Carter Kieboom, Jake Alu, Kibert Ruiz, Dominic Smith, and Lane Thomas.

Despite the Atlanta Braves resting their regulars in preparation for the postseason, the Nationals tied their season high for home runs in this game.

Jordan Weems picked up the win with one inning of relief, and Kyle Finnegan closed out the game. The Nationals used a total of six relievers after starter Trevor Williams gave up two runs and seven hits in 3 1/3 innings.

Ronald Acuña Jr. had a solid performance for the Braves, going 1 for 2 with a run and two steals before being replaced after two innings. This performance allowed him to tie the Braves’ steals record of 72, set by Otis Nixon in 1991. Matt Olson was also replaced for a pinch runner in the third inning after contributing with an RBI single in the first and a walk in the third.

Brad Hand took the loss in relief of rookie Allan Winans, who gave up six runs in 5 1/3 innings and surrendered three home runs. This loss ended the Braves’ four-game winning streak.

Kibert Ruiz had a strong game for the Nationals, going 2 for 5 with three runs. Luis Garcia also had a 2-for-5 performance.

Braves rookie Forrest Wall, filling in for Michael Harris II, went 3 for 5 with a run and a steal.

The Nationals’ scoring started with Carter Kieboom’s three-run home run in the fourth inning, which gave them a 3-2 lead.

In the sixth inning, the Nationals scored three runs to regain the lead. Kibert Ruiz hit a solo home run, and Dominic Smith hit a two-run shot, putting the Nationals ahead 7-6. They added three more runs in the seventh inning, with Lane Thomas leading off with a home run and the Nationals benefiting from two unearned runs after errors by Jesse Chavez and Nickey Lopez.

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On Saturday, Braves right-handed pitcher Spencer Strider (19-5, 3.81) was set to face Nationals right-handed pitcher Joan Adon (2-4, 6.42).