Braves 2, Nationals 0

Zimmermann allowed 2 earned runs on 6 hits with one strikeout and a walk over 6 innings in a 2-0 loss to Atlanta, but, for what the former second-round pick (2007) has meant for the franchise over the past seven seasons – an innings-eating workhorse who helped bridge the losing half of the Nationals’ first decade to the perennial division-contending reputation they have now – his presence could not possibly be overstated.

Braves rookie Arodys Vizcaino recorded his eighth save in nine chances. That run was the first major league home run by Trea Turner.

“Obviously I’m a little upset we didn’t get the win and I didn’t pitch very good”, Zimmermann said.

He captured Washington’s hearts (while giving them slight heart attacks) in his thriller of a no-hitter during the final game of the 2014 season.

Atlanta Braves’ A.J. Pierzynski rounds their base to… A top-tier starting pitcher hitting his walk year right in the middle of his prime is usually a good sign for his performance level.

Pierzynski’s second home run came while leading off the seventh and broke a 1-1 tie as he lifted a 3-2 pitch into the right-center field seats.

The Braves beat the Nationals 2-0.

“He puts the ball in play, and he finds grass all the time”, Fredi Gonzalez said after the game.

Roark, who entered the game with a 1.91 career ERA against the Braves, pitched 6 2/3 innings, his longest start since June 16. Instead, he demanded accountability and provided the guidance that has proven beneficial as the Braves have allowed one run or less during each of their past five home games.

Bryce Harper, who is battling for the National League batting title, went 0 for 4 and saw his average drop to.331.

Opponents are 2-for-37 with runners in scoring position during the Braves’ five-game home winning streak, including the Nationals’ 1-for-9 against Perez.

Tonight in Turner Field, Perez gave up a leadoff double by Anthony Rendon in the first, but retired the next three in a scoreless, 13-pitch frame. While the Nationals stumbled down the stretch, the Braves skidded to three wins in 16 games before Tuesday’s series-opening victory. “Hopefully, it gives him confidence, and he can carry it over to his next start and then the offseason”. Everth Cabrera had been manning shortstop off and on for the Padres for a few years and showed flashes of greatness especially in making the All Star team in 2013, but was also soon caught for drug use and then we watched his season and personal life deteriate to the point of being released by the team at the end of the season.

Braves third baseman Hector Olivera, obtained from the Dodgers at the non-waiver trade deadline for Alex Wood, Jim Johnson and Luis Avilan, was hit on the left elbow by a Roark fastball in the fifth inning and left the game.