Matt Olson’s 3-Run Blast Powers Braves to 11-3 Victory Over Nationals
UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown at Nationals Park, the Atlanta Braves dominated the Washington Nationals with a decisive 11-3 victory on August 28, 2023. Star slugger Matt Olson delivered a jaw-dropping performance, going 4 for 5 with a three-run homer, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top hitters.
Olson’s home run, his third in as many games, came in the fifth inning, extending Atlanta’s lead to 5-1. He finished the night with four RBIs, showcasing his incredible form with three extra-base hits. Meanwhile, Spencer Strider delivered a stellar seven-inning performance, allowing just one run on four hits, striking out six, and improving his record to 6-13 after a rough patch in previous starts.
The Braves, who had just snapped a four-game losing streak, showed their offensive depth with Drake Baldwin also contributing significantly with three hits and four RBIs. Baldwin’s key plays included a double that brought in Nacho Alvarez Jr., pushing the score to 7-1 in the seventh inning.
The Nationals initially took the lead with a solo homer from rookie Daylen Lile, marking his sixth of the season. Lile has been on fire, reaching safely in 15 consecutive games. However, Washington struggled offensively, managing only two hits through the first seven innings.
In a critical moment, the Nationals had the bases loaded in the fourth inning, but the Braves executed a crucial double play to extinguish the threat, with Baldwin making a heads-up play at home plate.
Looking ahead, the Braves are set for a doubleheader tomorrow, with Washington RHP Jake Irvin (8-12, 5.70 ERA) slated to start in Game 1, while the Braves have yet to announce their starter. Game 2 will feature a matchup between Washington LHP MacKenzie Gore (5-14, 4.14) and LHP Chris Sale (5-5, 2.52).
As the Braves continue their push for the postseason, Olson’s recent surge—now seven homers in his last 18 games—will be critical in the coming weeks. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team seeks to build on this momentum.
