The game turned on one disastrous inning for Washington. Atlanta scored five runs in the seventh to break a 2-2 tie and defeat the Nationals 7-2 at Nationals Park, turning what had been a competitive game into a rout.
Ozzie Albies carried the Atlanta offense with a 3-for-4 performance that included four RBIs and a home run. His sacrifice fly tied the game 1-1 in the fourth, his two-run single gave Atlanta the lead for good in the seventh, and his solo homer in the ninth provided the final margin. Michael Harris added three hits and two RBIs, including the RBI single that put Atlanta ahead 2-1 in the fourth.
The seventh inning unraveled quickly for Washington. Baldwin scored on a Gus Varland wild pitch to break the tie, then Albies singled to right to bring home Olson and Riley. Harris doubled to center to score Albies, completing a five-run frame that decided the contest.
Cade Cavalli pitched effectively for Washington through five innings, allowing seven hits and two runs while striking out 10. But Cionel Perez absorbed the loss after allowing three runs in just one-third of an inning, carrying a 8.25 ERA. The winning pitcher worked seven innings, allowing five hits and two runs with seven strikeouts.
Atlanta improved to 17-8 and maintained first place in the division. Washington fell to 11-14. Albies sits two stolen bases away from 100 career steals, while Austin Riley is five runs away from 500 career runs and one RBI from 500 career RBIs.