Luke Williams scored from third base on CJ Abrams’ throwing error from shortstop with two outs in the 10th inning, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday night. This win was the Braves’ fifth in their last six games.
Braves closer Raisel Iglesias (3-1) pitched two innings, struck out three batters, and got the win. He continued his streak of retiring batters, having a perfect ninth inning before it ended in the 10th when he hit Jacob Young with a pitch to start the inning. Iglesias then got the next three Nationals out.
“It is amazing what he is doing,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “Efficiency, situations. He did the same thing on the road, which is almost impossible to do. He’s probably the greatest team player I’ve ever been around. His stuff is just so good.”
Iglesias has pitched 13 hitless innings since July 27 and 17 scoreless innings since July 8, when he allowed an unearned run.
“You almost just come to expect it,” Atlanta’s Chris Sale said.
Michael Harris II, who hit a home run to start the game, made a hard grounder to shortstop in the 10th. Abrams fielded the ball but made a low throw to first base, letting Williams score and ending the game.
“I gotta make a better throw in that situation,” Abrams said. “Maybe take a little more time. I think I had more time than I thought. … We all fought.”
Harris did not get an RBI for the game-winning play. His speed might have rushed Abrams.
“In that situation, with two outs, you try to put the ball in play and see what happens,” Harris said. Eduardo Salazar (0-1) was charged with the loss.
