With a chance to capture a third-straight win against the Nationals on Sunday afternoon, the Braves saw the game start slipping away in the first, when starter Tom Glavine left the game with a pulled hamstring after throwing only 16 pitches and exiting the game without obtaining an out for only the second time in his career. After three innings, the game was looking rather dismal for Atlanta, as they were down 5-0, but then they had a three-run sixth that was ignited by a two-run homer by Chipper Jones. Closer Jon Rauch of the National came in to replace Chad Cordero who had come off the disabled list on the same day (shoulder tendinitis). The chances of a hit from Brian McCann were slim for in the last eight at bats aginst Cordero, McCann has been retired every time. With the bases loaded and two out in the 9th, McCann hit a long fly ball to right-center field that was caught with ease by Nationals right-fielder Austin Kearns. Once again, McCann came up short against Cordero, but the out and save by Cordero ended a nine-game losing streak forthe Nationals. The final score was 5-4 Nationals; the sixth one-run loss for the Braves this season. With yesterday off, the Braves now travel to Florida to take on the Marlins for a three-game series with Jair Jurrjens taking the mound in the opener tonight.
