Braves Reliever John Gant Has An Odd Delivery [VIDEO]
CHARLES ODUM, AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA (AP) — Once again, the Atlanta Braves couldn't overcome a key defensive breakdown.
Atlanta's poor defense in Washington's three-run seventh spoiled a strong debut for Bud Norris and the Braves lost to the Nationals 3-1 on Wednesday night.
Norris, inserted as Atlanta's No. 2 starter after signing as a free agent, gave up three runs and six hits in seven innings. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Norris was "outstanding" and deserved better results.
"You know what? We didn't make a play there and they scored three runs," Gonzalez said. "For me, they should all be unearned runs."
Atlanta led 1-0 before Ryan Zimmerman singled leading off the seventh with a single and scored from second on an infield hit by Wilson Ramos, who advanced when catcher A.J. Pierzynski missed first baseman Freddie Freeman's wild throw to the plate. Freeman was charged with the error.
"Those plays have got to be made, no matter who gets the error," Gonzalez said. "For me, that's a play that you've got to make nine times out of 10."
Following an intentional walk to Danny Espinosa, Matt den Dekker, just recalled from Triple-A Syracuse, batted for Stephen Strasburg and drove in two runs with a double to right-center.
"He put a good swing on the ball," said Norris of den Dekker. "You've got to give it to him. That's a tough spot for him, to pinch-hit."
The loss came after two errors proved costly in the Braves' 4-3 opening loss in 10 innings on Monday.
"Every time we didn't take care of the baseball they scored a crooked number," Gonzalez said.
Strasburg (1-0) allowed one run and six hits in six innings.
Jonathan Papelbon gave up one-out singles to Adonis Garcia, who had three hits, and Nick Markakis in the ninth. With Garcia at third and pinch-runner Drew Stubbs on second with two outs, Papelbon struck out Pierzynski for his second save.
Washington recalled den Dekker when it placed center fielder Ben Revere on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right oblique.
GREAT CATCH — AND THROW
After Bryce Harper's leadoff single in the fourth, Zimmerman hit a drive toward the right-center gap. Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte, running toward right field, made a diving catch and landed on his chest. Harper was already standing on second base when Inciarte quickly returned to his feet and threw to first base to complete the double play.
Inciarte made another running catch of a drive by Harper, reaching over his head for the catch, to end the sixth.
KING OF Ks IN D.C.
With his third strikeout of the game, Strasburg passed Jordan Zimmermann's Nationals record of 903 strikeouts. The milestone came when he fanned Norris in the third inning, and Strasburg's four strikeouts boosted his career total to 905.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Nationals: Revere was scheduled for a MRI in Washington on Thursday. Baker said he didn't know how long Revere will be on the DL but said "it didn't appear that he was going to be able to play within a week."
UP NEXT
Nationals: RHP Tanner Roark is to start for Washington in its home opener against Miami on Thursday. Roark was 3-4 with a 4.82 ERA in 12 starts last season and 4-7 with a 4.38 ERA in 40 games overall.
Braves: Following an off day on Thursday, RHP Matt Wisler will try to extend his short history of success against St. Louis in Friday night's series opener against the Cardinals. Wisler was 2-0 with a 1.15 ERA in two starts against St. Louis in his 2015 rookie season.
(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
