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Yohandy Morales homers and has 3 hits in his debut as the Nationals top the Braves

Washington Nationals' Yohandy Morales hits a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Nationals' Yohandy Morales hits a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) Washington Nationals' Yohandy Morales hits a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

By NOAH TRISTER / AP Baseball Writer 2 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) — Yohandy Morales homered in his first major league game and Jared Simpson earned the win in relief in his own debut, helping the Washington Nationals beat the Atlanta Braves 9-5 on Tuesday night.

The Nationals called up Morales and Simpson before the game, with major league rosters expanding from 26 to 28. After striking out his first time up, Morales hit a solo shot in the third inning. Simpson (1-0) entered in the fifth with Washington up 5-2 and induced a double play and a flyout after inheriting a first-and-second, nobody-out situation.

Then he worked two more perfect innings.

The 24-year-old Morales, who hit 25 homers for Triple-A Rochester this year, also singled and doubled in an impressive debut.

AJ Smith-Shawver (0-1) allowed five runs and six hits in four innings. Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II homered for the Braves, whose lead over Philadelphia atop the NL East dropped to 3 1/2 games, with the Phillies playing at Arizona later Tuesday.