Braves 3, Nationals 1
Derek Lowe allowed one run and hit his first career home run, and Craig Kimbrel set a major league record for saves by a rookie as the Atlanta Braves defeated the visiting Washington Nationals 3-1 on Wednesday.
Lowe (9-12) pitched six innings and retired 11 straight until Michael Morse led off the seventh with a solo homer. Lowe, who allowed three hits and struck out six, has a 1.50 ERA over the last three starts. His homer came on his 425th major league at-bat.
Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth and struck out two to earn his 41st save. He has pitched 33 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings.
Atlanta’s Chipper Jones hit his 450th career homer in the second off John Lannan (8-11), who was 3-0 this season against the Braves. Lannan gave up three runs, seven hits and struck out six.
The Braves maintained their 8 1/2-game lead over the Cardinals in the National League wild card race.