The Braves beat the Nationals 11-5, extending their MLB-best winning streak to nine games.

The Atlanta Braves defeated the Washington Nationals 11-5 in the opener of a three-game series, extending their winning streak to nine games, the longest in Major League Baseball. The game featured a matchup between rookie pitchers Hurston Waldrep and Brad Lord, with Waldrep (5-1, 3.04 ERA) earning a win in his previous start against Washington. Waldrep, 23, has emerged as a key starter since his August recall, showing improved command. Lord, 25, has split time between the rotation and bullpen, recently posting a 3.18 ERA over his last three outings. Outfielder Ha-Seong Kim extended his hitting streak to 10 games, while second baseman Ozzie Albies will miss the remainder of the season after fracturing his left hamate bone, the same injury that sidelined him last year. The Braves must decide in the offseason whether to exercise his $7 million 2026 contract option or pay a $4 million buyout.