Veteran pitcher John Smoltz became only the 16th pitcher in Major League history to strike out 3,000 batters, and as much as the Braves wanted to give him a win to go along with that feat, Atlanta lost 6-0 to the Nationals ending a five-game winning streak. Smoltz went to 3-1, but in seven innings of play he struck out 10 allowing only one run. It was a one-run game until the Ninth, when reliever Jorge Campillo’s throwing error allowed a five run charge by the Nationals. Jeff Francoeur singled once and reached base twice on walks, and Chipper Jones ended a thirteen game hitting streak as he went 0-4 last night. Only four different Braves reached base and both Yunel Escobar and Matt Diaz each had two hits. The Nationals John Lannan got the win with a turn-around outing compared to his last showing against the Braves. Tonight Jeff Bennet gets the start against Andrew Miller and the Marlins at Turner Field.
