Braves 2, Nationals 1
ATLANTA -- Catcher A.J. Pierzynski hit two home runs to provide the offensive support for pitcher Matt Wisler's seven-plus strong innings in the Atlanta Braves' 2-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday at Turner Field.
Pierzynski hit solo home runs in the fourth and seventh inning against Washington's Tanner Roark as the Braves earned a 63rd victory and guaranteed they would not lose 100 games.
Washington holds a 13-4 series advantage against the Braves this year but is only 3-4 in Atlanta.
Wisler (7-8) was replaced after allowing a single to lead off the eighth. He allowed one run on five hits, walked two and struck out four. He has allowed two or fewer runs in three of his past four starts.
Reliever Edwin Jackson entered the game, issued a one-out walk to second baseman Trea Turner and induced center fielder Bryce Harper to hit into an inning-ending double play.
Atlanta closer Arodys Vizcaino pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his eighth save. He allowed back-to-back singles to lead off the inning, but shortstop Ian Desmond was doubled up on a chopper in front of the plate. Left fielder Matt den Dekker struck out to end the game, leaving first baseman Cliff Robinson stranded at second base.
Tanner Roark, who entered the game with a 1.91 career ERA against the Braves, pitched 6 2/3 innings, his longest start since June 16. Roark (4-7) allowed five hits, two of them home runs, while walking one and striking out four.
Atlanta turned three double plays in the game and leads the league with 179.
Pierzynski opened the scoring in the fourth with a solo shot to right field.
Turner tied the score when he led off the sixth inning with his first home run.
Pierzynski's blast to right-center to open the seventh inning capped the scoring.
Atlanta third baseman Hector Olivera left the game in the fifth inning after being hit by a pitch on his left arm.
NOTES: Atlanta originally had LF Adonis Garcia in its lineup but scratched him an hour before game time because of a lower back strain. Nick Swisher started in his place. 1B Freddie Freeman, who has missed time with a sore right wrist, was back in the lineup. ... Washington OF Michael A. Taylor was out of the lineup because of knee swelling. 3B Yunel Escobar missed the game with upper back soreness. Manager Matt Williams said 1B Ryan Zimmerman is not likely to play again this season because of a strained oblique. Zimmerman has been out since Sept. 7. ... It rained all weekend and through the early afternoon in Atlanta, preventing both sides from taking batting practice and infield. ... The starting pitchers for Wednesday's game are Atlanta RHP Williams Perez (6-6, 5.04 ERA) and Washington RHP Jordan Zimmermann (13-9, 3.68 ERA).