Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves Match Player Stats On Jun 01, 2021

Ryan Zimmerman and Juan Soto each hit home runs to pace a 14-hit attack and help the visiting Washington Nationals break out of their slump and end their five-game losing streak with an 11-6 win over the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday.

But the celebratory mood was dampened by an injury to Washington starter Stephen Strasburg, who left the game after pitching 1 1/3 innings. Manager Dave Martinez said after the game that Strasburg experienced tightness in his right trap muscle.

Zimmerman's two-run homer was part of a four-run rally in the fourth inning and Soto's two-run shot came in the eighth. Washington went on to score its most runs since May 22 when they beat Baltimore 12-9.

Soto went 3-for-4, scored four runs and had four RBIs. Trea Turner had three hits while scoring twice and Kyle Schwarber added two hits and two RBIs.

Washington took advantage of the wildness of Atlanta starter Max Fried (2-3), who was knocked out after 3 2/3 innings. Fried was charged with five runs on six hits, two walks and seven strikeouts. He also threw three wild pitches and was victimized by two passed balls.

Strasburg was hit on the heel of his glove on a sharp ground ball struck by William Contreras, but that did not turn out to be the reason he exited early.

His trouble began in the first inning when manager Dave Martinez and athletic trainer Paul Lessard made a mound visit after Strasburg walked Ronald Acuna Jr. on four pitches to start the game.

He was allowed to remain in the game, but Strasburg never looked comfortable, showed lower velocity and threw mostly curveballs and changeups. Strasburg was examined in the clubhouse between innings, but he was allowed to hit for himself in the top of the second. He walked Abraham Almonte to start the second inning.

Austin Voth (2-0) replaced Strasburg and pitched three innings, leaving the game when Atlanta's Ronald Acuna Jr. hit his 17th homer, a two-run shot.

Acuna was 3-for-4 with a walk, a double, a homer, two RBIs and four runs scored. He has homered in back-to-back games.

--Field Level Media