Atlanta Braves starter Kevin Gausman pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of Sunday’s game in Atlanta.ATLANTA – Kevin Gausman showed he has the potential to add stability to the Atlanta Braves’ rotation.
Just like last year.
Gausman pitched into the eighth inning after missing more than a month, and Ronald Acuña Jr. and Josh Donaldson hit home runs as the Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 7-1 Sunday night to protect their lead in the National League’s East Division.
Atlanta acquired Gausman from the Baltimore Orioles at the 2018 trade deadline and he won five games with a 2.87 ERA in 10 starts for the Braves. The right-hander had a bloated 6.21 ERA in 13 starts this year before landing on the injured list with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, but he was sharp in his first outing in the majors since June 10.
Atlanta Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson watches his home run sail over left-center field during the sixth inning of Sunday’s game against the Washington Nationals.Gausman (3-5) allowed five hits and one run in seven-plus innings, with eight strikeouts and no walks.