Dan Haren gave the Washington Nationals the kind of performance they were expecting when they signed the veteran right-hander to a free-agent deal this off-season. Haren tossed eight solid innings and Denard Span had a two run double to lead the Nats over the Atlanta Braves 3-1.
Haren allowed four hits and one run to go along with four strikeouts and one walk. “He’s a consummate pitcher,” Washington manager Davey Johnson said. “He doesn’t give in to a hitter. He’s got all kinds of movement on the ball, and this is a very aggressive swinging ballclub. They were swinging early in the count, which worked right in his favor.”
Rafael Soriano recorded his 10th save of the season for Washington. Evan Gattis had two hits for Atlanta and Braves starter Kris Medlen struck out eight batters over seven innings while allowing three earned runs.
Nats News: Before the game Bryce Harper was diagnosed with a bruise under his left shoulder blade and went 0 for 4. Jayson Werth went 0 for 2 and left for pinch-hitter Roger Bernadina in the fifth. Werth returned to the lineup after missing two straight games with a strained right hamstring and a bruised left ankle
