October 2, 2026
ATLANTA (AP) — Trevor Williams combined with four relievers on a five-hitter and Washington beat Atlanta 3-1 on Thursday night for the Nationals' first four-game series win over the Braves since 2016.
Williams (5-0) gave up only four hits and one run in 5 2/3 innings. It marked the seventh start in his last eight outings he has allowed no more than one earned run. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 2.22.
The Nationals won three of four for their first four-game series win against Atlanta since Aug. 18-21, 2016 — the year before the Braves moved to Truist Park.
“It's a big win,” Washington manager Dave Martinez said. “To come out of here with three wins in four games, that's pretty good.”
The Braves have won the season series against the Nationals in each of the last six years, overlapping Atlanta's six-year run of NL East titles.
“We beat a very good team in Atlanta that is always in the fight,” Nationals first baseman Joey Meneses said through a translator. “It gives us confidence.”
Washington closer Kyle Finnegan walked Ozzie Albies to open the ninth. Albies stole second, but Finnegan retired the next three batters for his 15th save.
Meneses gave Washington a 2-0 lead over Ray Kerr (1-2) with a two-run double in a three-run third inning.
Atlanta is 12-14 in May and has scored three or fewer runs in 11 of the losses.
“You just hope maybe one two-out hit that somebody gets relaxes everybody,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “You get in the try-too-hard mode.”
The Nationals entered the game with 89 stolen bases, the most in the majors, and added to that total with three in the third inning. Jesse Winker and Jacob Young each stole third base with Kerr on the mound — each time without drawing a throw.
“It's our identity,” Martinez said of stolen bases. “We're going to try to push the envelope.”
Young and Lane Thomas scored on the double by Meneses, who was jammed on a fastball but managed to push the grounder past Matt Olson at first base. Winker added a run-scoring double.
Kerr, making his second career start, allowed three runs on five hits and two walks and a career-high seven strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings. The left-hander has allowed a combined eight runs in 7 2/3 innings in his two starts.
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