Atlanta Braves reliever Josh Tomlin pitches to the Washington Nationals during the third inning of Sunday’s game in Washington.WASHINGTON – The Atlanta Braves are getting contributions from almost everyone on their roster, playing all three phases of baseball at a high level and riding a hot streak that’s been sprinkled with a healthy portion of good luck.
With all that going for them, it’s no surprise the division leaders are beginning to widen the gap between themselves and their pursuers in the National League East.
Johan Camargo delivered a two-run, pinch-hit homer in the 10th inning Sunday afternoon, and Atlanta held on to beat the Washington Nationals 4-3. The Braves took two of three from the Nationals to earn their fifth consecutive series win, using the long ball and their bullpen to overcome an injury to standout rookie starting pitcher Mike Soroka in the finale.
For the first time since June 12, Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman failed to drive in a run. His streak of 10 straight games with an RBI had matched the franchise record set by Sid Gordon in August 1951.
No matter. Starring roles were played by Camargo, third baseman Josh Donaldson and 34-year-old reliever Josh Tomlin, who threw four innings of one-hit relief to cover for the loss of Soroka.