Nationals sweep Braves 8-4, gain ground on Mets in NL East

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Joe Ross throws during the third inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015, in Washington. Washington Nationals starting pitcher Joe Ross throws during the third inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015, in Washington.

By Associated Press September 7, 2015 3 min read

WASHINGTON – Jayson Werth and the surging Washington Nationals are looking forward to a visit from the New York Mets.

Werth hit a three-run homer, Bryce Harper connected for the third straight day, and the Nationals beat the lowly Atlanta Braves 8-4 on Sunday to pull within four games of NL East-leading New York heading into a big series against the Mets.

Yunel Escobar had three hits and scored two runs, helping the Nationals to their fifth straight win and seventh in nine games overall.

Washington sends ace Max Scherzer to the mound for the opener of their three-game set against New York on Monday. Jonathon Niese goes for the Mets.

The Nationals also have Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg lined up to pitch against the Mets, who counter with Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom.