MLB: Washington 9, Boston 3

WASHINGTON, June 25 (UPI) -- Anderson Hernandez finished off a four-run first with a two-run single Thursday and the Washington Nationals went on to defeat Boston 9-3.

The outcome spoiled the Boston debut of John Smoltz (0-1), who for the first time in his 20 professional seasons played for a major league team other than the Atlanta Braves.

Smoltz, 42, was released by the Braves last year after shoulder surgery and signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox. He appeared for Boston's Class AAA Pawtucket farm team before being given Thursday's start, in which he allowed five runs on seven hits in five innings.

He won 210 games and saved 154 others for Atlanta and appeared in the All-Star game eight times.

Staked to a quick 4-0 lead, Jordan Zimmermann (3-3) limited the Red Sox to a run on four hits in seven innings.

The Nationals broke a three-game losing streak. They have played 70 games this season and have won just 21 of them.

Willie Harris hit a two-run homer for Washington in the seventh, giving the Nationals a 9-1 cushion.