WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Dan Uggla and Freddie Freeman both had RBI singles during a three-run first inning Friday that started Atlanta on its way to a 7-4 win over Washington.
The Braves moved closer to a spot in the playoffs, having begun the night with a two-game lead over St. Louis in the National League wild card race.
Atlanta never trailed and expanded its lead to 6-1 with a three-run fifth that featured another run-scoring single from Uggla and a two-run double by Brian McCann.
The Braves were able to get to Stephen Strasburg, whose potential star status was put on hold this year due to elbow surgery. This was his fourth start of the season and he is also due to start Washington's final game Wednesday.
Strasburg (0-1) was limited to four innings, giving up three runs on five hits.
Tim Hudson (16-10) made it through 5 2/3 innings to get the win. He allowed three runs on nine hits with four strikeouts.
Craig Kimbrel allowed a hit and struck out two while recording his 46th save. He has saved more games than any other rookie in major league history.
