MLB: Milwaukee 7, Washington 1

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Ryan Braun's two-run homer touched off a six-run sixth inning Monday, launching the Milwaukee Brewers to a 7-1 whipping of Washington.

The Brewers moved within a game of the .500 mark by winning for the third time in the four-game series.

Yovani Gallardo (12-10) worked five innings to get the win, giving up four hits and a run while striking out eight. He was in line to be the losing pitcher until Milwaukee struck for its big sixth inning.

Frank Catalanotto opened the sixth with a double off Collin Balester (1-4) and scored on Braun's 27th homer of the year. Prince Fielder then singled, Casey McGehee walked and both runners moved up on a wild pitch.

Mike Cameron was walked intentionally to load the bases and Jason Kendall singled in Fielder. A base hit by pinch-hitter Jody Gerut drove in two more runs and Felipe Lopez delivered the final run of the inning with a fielder's choice grounder.

Gerut added a run in the eighth with his fifth homer.