The Washington Nationals pounded out 15 runs on 18 hits and romped over the barely-above AAA Atlanta Braves pitching staff, 15-1, Thursday night at Nats Park.
The Nats picked up a half-game over the idle Mets to trail by six in the division with 29 games to play.
There were plenty of hitting heroes for the home team. Ryan Zimmerman continued his torrid streak, going 3 for 3 with four RBIs, Clint Robinson was 2 for 4 with four RBIs and Bryce Harper walked four times, scored four runs and drove in a run on a bases loaded walk.
Danny Espinosa, who pinch-hit for Zimmerman once the competitive portion of the evening was over, went 2 for 2 with his 13th home run of the season. Yunel Escobar went 3 for 4 with three RBIs.
Jordan Zimmermann was the beneficiary of the run support. The stoic righty pitched six efficient innings, ending his night after 87 pitches. He allowed one run on two hits and four walks, striking out five. Sammy Solis gave the Nats two scoreless innings of perfect relief with four strikeouts and Rafael Martin pitched a clean ninth, though he walked two.
In the second of the four-game set Friday night, Tanner Roark (4-4, 4.54) faces Julio Teheran at 7:05 p.m.
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