The problems that plagued the Washington Nationals in the first half of the season came back to haunt them during the first game of the second half of the 2011 season. The Atlanta Braves completely blew out the Nationals 11-1 in their first game back from the All-Star Break.
Nothing went right for the Nationals and nothing seemed to work against a potent Braves line-up. Starter Livan Hernandez lasted only four innings giving up six runs (three earned) on eight hits. Washington committed five errors. The Nationals offense couldn't do much against Braves starter Tim Hudson except swing and miss and score just one run when Ryan Zimmerman hit into a fielder's choice in the first inning. Three relievers came in for the Nats and only one, Henry Rodriguez was able to prevent the Braves from scoring a run.
It was an absolutely atrocious game and not one Washington wanted to start its second half with. The Braves used the Nationals to propel themselves to their 10,000th franchise win and to further put them further ahead in the NL East standings.
The Nationals now have a 46-47 record and are 6-9 under new manager Davey Johnson.