Haren throws 8 sharp innings, Nationals top Braves, 3-1

photo Washington Nationals starting pitcher Dan Haren throws to an Atlanta Braves batter in the seventh inning of a baseball game Thursday, May 2, 2013, in Atlanta. Washington won 3-1.

ATLANTA - Dan Haren pitched eight sharp innings, Denard Span hit a two-run double and the Washington Nationals beat the Atlanta Braves 3-1 Thursday night.

The Nationals, who snapped a nine-game losing streak to Atlanta on Wednesday, allowed their NL East rivals to get only three runners in scoring position over two nights.

Haren (3-3) won his second consecutive start, giving up four hits and one run with one walk and four strikeouts.

Rafael Soriano earned his ninth save in 10 chances by pitching the ninth. He retired Justin Upton and Freddie Freeman on groundouts before Evan Gattis singled and Dan Uggla popped up.

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