Nats end six-game skid, stop Braves’ seven-game streak

AP photo by Brynn Anderson / Matt Olson celebrates with Austin Riley, center, and Ronald Acuna Jr. after hitting a two-run homer for the Atlanta Braves in the first inning of Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals. Atlanta would not score again, and the Nationals won 6-2 to avoid a sweep in the three-game series at Truist Park. AP photo by Brynn Anderson / Matt Olson celebrates with Austin Riley, center, and Ronald Acuna Jr. after hitting a two-run homer for the Atlanta Braves in the first inning of Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals. Atlanta would not score again, and the Nationals won 6-2 to avoid a sweep in the three-game series at Truist Park.

By BILL TROCCHI / The Associated Press June 11, 2023 5 min read

ATLANTA — The Washington Nationals had a rare power surge against the Atlanta Braves.

Dominic Smith and Jeimer Candelario hit two-run homers in the sixth inning Sunday afternoon, and the Nationals won 6-2 to stop their six-game skid and end the Braves’ seven-game winning streak.

“If they keep swinging like that in the middle of the lineup, we’re going to do some good things,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said.

Trevor Williams (3-4) allowed two runs, seven hits and one walk in five innings with six strikeouts, winning for just the second time since April 8.

“We were able to attack the edges with my fastball and spin,” Williams said. “Thankfully, the defense made some big plays behind us. They are a really good hitting squad. It is just a matter of executing pitches.”