The Washington Nationals defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-1 and it was a big game for a couple reasons. First, the Nationals have cut the Braves Wild Card lead down to two which is going to put pressure on Atlanta to make the playoffs as the Nationals play the old , "If we aren't going, you aren't either" card. Second, Nationals pitcher Chien-Ming Wang completed his 2011 campaign with his fourth win of the season and he also collected his first Major League hit.
Pitching wise, Wang went six innings, giving up four hits, one run, walking none and striking out four. It was another solid performance from the big Taiwanese right hander who is in supposed talks with the Nationals currently for an extension. In the fourth inning Wang was able to collect his first Major League hit off Atlanta's Brandon Beachy which also was a RBI single to score second baseman Danny Espinosa.
Wang's only mistake was giving up a solo home run to Freddie Freeman in the fifth inning.
Chris Marrero scored a RBI in the second and Espinosa added a two-RBI single in the fourth to complete the Nationals scoring. Closer Drew Storen collected his 41st save of the season.