The game turned in one decisive inning. Atlanta erased a 3-2 deficit with six runs in the sixth, transforming a tight contest into a 9-4 victory over Washington at Nationals Park.
Bryce Elder anchored the comeback with 6.2 innings of three-run ball, striking out six while allowing just three hits. The right-hander improved to 3-1 with a 1.50 ERA, controlling the strike zone without issuing a walk through five innings.
The sixth inning belonged to Atlanta's offense. Drake Baldwin doubled to left, scoring Acuña Jr. and Yastrzemski to tie the game at 3-3. Ozzie Albies followed with an RBI single, then Michael Harris drove in Riley with another single to center. Dominic Smith capped the rally with a fielder's choice that brought Albies home, giving the Braves a 7-3 lead they would not relinquish.
Jake Irvin absorbed the loss for Washington, allowing four runs over five innings despite striking out four. The Nationals managed just three hits against Elder and the Atlanta bullpen, with Daylen Lile's fourth-inning homer providing their lone bright spot.
Atlanta extended their winning streak to five games and improved to 15-7. Washington fell to 10-12 despite snapping a losing streak. Albies sits two stolen bases away from 100 career steals, while Austin Riley is two RBIs from 500.