Recap: Atlanta vs. Washington

Sports Network | October 3, 2009

Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Ian Desmond homered, tripled and knocked in three runs, as the Washington Nationals bested the Atlanta Braves, 6-3, in the second installment of a four-game series at Turner Field.

Adam Dunn doubled twice and scored a run for the Nationals, who have won five games in a row. Livan Hernandez (9-12) gave up three runs on nine hits over 6 1/3 innings to earn the win.

"We got to finish strong and take everything from now to next year," Hernandez said.

Martin Prado collected four hits and David Ross hit a two-run double for the Braves, who have dropped four straight.

It was a short outing for Derek Lowe (15-10) as the veteran right-hander was tagged for six runs -- five earned -- on eight hits and five walks in 4 2/3 innings.

"It's not a huge feat, but you still want to come in second instead of third (in the division)," Lowe said.

Desmond's solo blast to left field opened the scoring in the second, but Ross' extra-base hit in the bottom of the inning gave Atlanta a one-run lead.

Washington answered with three runs in the next frame. Justin Maxwell led off with a triple and scored when Elijah Dukes grounded out to short. Dunn then doubled and Lowe intentionally walked Ryan Zimmerman before Desmond sliced a two-out, two-run triple into the right-field corner.

With men on first and second and two gone in the fifth, Alberto Gonzalez slapped a single to left field. Garret Anderson's throw home hit Zimmerman. Desmond alertly came home on the error for a 6-2 Nationals lead.

Chipper Jones had an RBI groundout in the seventh to draw Atlanta to within three.

Mike MacDougal closed the door in the ninth for his 20th save.

Omar Infante had three hits for Atlanta, which finished 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left 10 men on base...Atlanta still has won 10 of the 16 meetings with the Nationals this season.