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Braves beat Nationals 6-2, stay atop NL East

8/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 6-2 on July 31, 2026 at Truist Park.
Michael Harris II hit a 421-foot three-run homer, his 20th of the season.
Bryce Elder worked six innings, allowed one run on four hits and three walks, earning his 12th quality start.
Elieser Hernández earned his first career save by throwing three scoreless innings.
The consecutive wins kept Atlanta atop the National League East as the trade deadline approaches.

History

Historical Context

The Atlanta Braves captured their first World Series since 1914 in 1995, posting a 90-54 record and sweeping the NLCS before beating Cleveland in six games under manager Bobby Cox. That championship began a decade of postseason contention, a pattern the 2026 club—now atop the NL East with power hitters like Michael Harris II—looks to repeat.

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Story summary

The Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 6-2 on July 31, 2026 at Truist Park.
Michael Harris II hit a 421-foot three-run homer, his 20th of the season.
Bryce Elder worked six innings, allowed one run on four hits and three walks, earning his 12th quality start.
Elieser Hernández earned his first career save by throwing three scoreless innings.
The consecutive wins kept Atlanta atop the National League East as the trade deadline approaches.

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