MLB: Atlanta 4, Washington 3

ATLANTA, July 27 (UPI) -- A run-scoring double by Jeff Francouer in the bottom of the eighth inning Wednesday night gave Atlanta a 4-3 win over Washington.

Francouer had three hits and two RBI overall and Marcus Giles hit his 8th home run for the Braves, who increased their lead to two games over the Nationals in the National League East.

In relief, Dan Kolb raised his record to 3-6 and Chris Reitsma earned his 11th save.

Losing pitcher Gary Majewski dropped to 2-2. Jose Guillen had two hits and two RBI for the Nationals, who have lost 12 of 15.

Atlanta has won three of four. Julio Franco was 0-for-1 and remains one hit shy of 2,500 for his major league career.