ATLANTA ( Associated Press) – Austin Riley homed Patrick Corbin, Kyle Wright made just over seven innings for his 10th win and the Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 4-3 on Saturday.
The Braves, champions of the last World Series, were 16 games above the 0.500 mark, their best record for the season. They are 28-8 since June 1st, the best in the National League for that period.
Atlanta entered the 2 1/2 games behind the NL East leader New York Mets.
In home runs, the Braves lead the Old Circuit with 132. They are second only to the New York Yankees, who lead the major leagues with 143.
Ronald Acuna Jr. scored before Riley hit his 22nd home run of the season, a two-run kick that put the ball 422 feet from home plate and hit his bat at 108 mph in the first inning.
The Braves have outscored the Nationals 22-8 homers combined in eight games this season.
Dominican Juan Soto hit his 17th home run for Washington. Wright (10-4) allowed eight hits and two runs, leaving after walking Soto leading the eighth.
Corbin (4-11) lost his eighth straight game against Atlanta.
For the Nationals, the Venezuelans César Hernández 5-0, Keibert Ruiz 4-2, Ehire Adrianza 3-1. Dominicans Juan Soto 4-2 with two runs scored and an RBI, Nelson Cruz 4-2. Cuban Yadiel Hernández 4-2 with a run scored and an RBI.
For the Braves, Venezuelans Acuña 3-2 with a run scored, Orlando Arcia 3-1 with an RBI. Dominican Marcell Ozuna 3-0. Puerto Rican Eddie Rosario 3-2.
