ATLANTA, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Brian McCann and Chipper Jones homered in the first two innings Thursday and Craig Kimbrel earned another save to bring Atlanta a 5-2 win over Washington.
The Braves, owners of the third-best record in the National League, have won nine of their last 12.
McCann and Jones gave Atlanta a 2-0 lead through two and Tim Hudson (14-8) protected it during his six innings on the mound. He gave up a run on five hits while striking out five.
Atlanta took a three-run advantage into the ninth and Kimbrel came on to pick up his 42nd save. He has set the all-time rookie save record in the majors, breaking the old mark of 40 set just last year by Neftali Feliz of Texas.
Alex Gonzalez drove in two runs for the Braves with a single in the sixth and a sacrifice fly in the eighth.
Jayson Werth hit a solo homer for the Nationals.
Chien-Ming Wang (2-3) allowed four runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings to take the loss.
