WASHINGTON _ The Braves usually break through early against Nationals ace Max Scherzer. Following through is the problem.
The Braves took a one-run lead against Scherzer that turned out to be tenuous with their spot starter, right-hander Ryan Weber, not up to the task on Monday. Trea Turner and Chris Heisey homered in the third inning against Weber to send the Nationals en route to a 6-4 victory at Nationals Park.
The Braves (54-84) had their winning streak snapped at six games, which tied for their longest of the season. The Nationals (80-57) improved to 12-2 against the Braves this season.
Second baseman Jace Peterson knocked an RBI double in the second inning to continue a trend of early Braves advantages against Scherzer. The Braves scored a run in the first inning to tie Scherzer on opening day, led 4-3 after two innings on April 11 and scored three runs in the second inning for a 3-2 lead vs. Scherzer on Aug. 20.
Continuing another trend, the Braves didn't do much scoring against Scherzer (16-7) after the early tally. They lost for the fourth time in as many games against Scherzer, who held them to two runs over seven innings while stranding nine base runners.
The Braves were stymied by a rotation they've had to patch together. The Braves skipped Matt Wisler's turn because of abdominal soreness and sent out Weber for his first start of the season and first appearance since Aug. 28.
Braves interim manager Brian Snitker had said he hoped Weber could "get the plane off the ground" by pitching as long as he could before giving way to the bullpen. Weber, helped by a double-play ground ball to end the first inning, was meeting that goal until Turner smashed a two-run homer with one out in the third inning for a 2-1 lead.
Ben Revere followed with a double and Weber walked the next batter, Anthony Rendon. It looked as if Weber might avoid more damage when Clint Robinson popped out to the infield for the second out but Heisey homered to left to extend the lead to 5-1.
Scherzer needed just six pitches in the first inning to retire the Braves in order. In the second inning Braves right fielder Nick Markakis hit a one-out single and Anthony Recker walked before Peterson doubled.
The Braves scored the other run against Scherzer in the sixth inning. Nick Markakis led off with a double, Recker singled, and Peterson hit into a fielder's choice to score Markakis. Scherzer struck out Gordon Beckham and, after pinch hitter A.J. Pierzynski singled, retired Ender Inciarte to leave two runners on base.
The Braves had another chance to score in the fourth inning when Recker walked with one out and Peterson reached first base on an error. The threat ended with Gordon Beckham flying out to left field and Brandon Snyder, pinch hitting for Weber, striking out.
