ATLANTA — Today, the Washington Nationals kicked off a four-game series against the Atlanta Braves with a win, 8-4.

The Nationals’ record is now 24-28, with an on-the-road record of 14-15. They beat the Atlanta Braves, who are without Ronald Acuna Jr. for the first time and the remainder of the season.

LHP Mitchell Parker pitched 6.1 innings, giving up only three runs and five hits, striking out six on 100 pitches, and getting the win. He is now 4-2 for the season.

The Nationals' offense came out of the dugout strong in the top of the first inning, pulling ahead early and never looking back.

Today, the Washington Nationals scored eight runs on 15 hits. The Nationals' top of the first inning was all about the doubles. Lane Thomas returned to the lineup and hit a line-drive double to left field. One batter later, Eddie Rosario also doubled to left, allowing Thomas to score and making it 1-0 with two outs. Keibert Ruiz then drew a walk, and Jesse Winker followed with a single to center field, bringing Rosario home and advancing Ruiz to third base. Winker stole second base, and Nick Senzel hit a double, driving in two more runs and putting the Nationals up 4-0 early.

In the top of the second, Jacob Young reached base with a powerful single to right field, and CJ Abrams capped off the inning with a home run to right field, clocked at an exit velocity of 102.2 mph, bringing the score to 6-0.

By taking an early lead, the Nationals were able to control the game offensively, delivering 15 hits. Speaking of hits, Ruiz has recorded a hit in his last seven at-bats, leaving him just one hit shy of the 2005 Nationals' record for most consecutive at-bats with a hit.

Derek Law pitched for 0.2 innings in today's outing from the bullpen, allowing one hit, one earned run, and issuing two walks. Hunter Harvey delivered one inning of spectacular pitching, recording one strikeout. Kyle Finnegan closed the game in Atlanta, giving up only two hits and delivering three strikeouts in the bottom of the 9th.

A LOOK AT NEXT GAME.

The Nationals are back in action tomorrow night at Truist Park at 7:20 PM. Jake Irvin will be on the mound for the Washington Nationals, bringing a 3.79 ERA and four strikeouts. The Atlanta Braves will counter with Max Fried, who has a 3.38 ERA and a record of 4-2.

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