Mitchell Parker pitched well into the seventh inning, giving up five hits, as the Washington Nationals defeated the short-handed Atlanta Braves 8-4 on Monday.
Parker, with a record of 4-2, allowed three runs, struck out six, and didn’t walk anyone in 6 1/3 innings. He threw 100 pitches, with 74 being strikes.
The rookie pitcher has given up three runs or less in each of his first eight starts in the major leagues. His success is partly due to being efficient.
“Mostly, I got hitters out early in the count, getting a lot of ground balls,” Parker said. “The fielders were making plays, and I kept the pitch count low. That’s what matters most.”
Jacob Young had three hits, the most in a game for the Nationals this season. Nick Senzel had two hits, including a two-run single in the first inning against Charlie Morton, who started for the Braves.
“We appreciate it, playing defense behind him,” said CJ Abrams, referring to Parker’s quick innings. “The less time spent in the dugout, the better for us.”
The Braves changed their lineup for the first time since losing Ronald Acuña Jr. to a season-ending knee injury on Sunday. Ozzie Albies was moved to leadoff, and Jared Kelenic and Adam Duvall both started in the outfield.
Parker had a comfortable 8-0 lead before giving up runs in the seventh inning.
Sean Murphy, back from the injured list, drove in a run for the Braves with a groundout, followed by a two-run homer from Duvall, which ended Parker’s night.
Morton, with a record of 3-2, gave up eight runs and 12 hits in 5 2/3 innings. This was the most runs Morton, a 40-year-old right-hander, has allowed since 2015.
