Nationals outlast Braves 8-7 on Taylor's single in 12th

WASHINGTON (AP) — Michael A. Taylor hit a game-ending single in the 12th inning, and the Washington Nationals beat the Atlanta Braves 8-7 on Friday night after blowing a five-run lead for the second straight game.

Nationals relievers Kyle Finnegan and James Borque (1-0) worked out of bases-loaded jams in the 11th and 12th innings, respectively, and the NL East-leading Braves couldn't score in three extra frames with a runner starting at second base. Atlanta left 22 runners on base in the game.

Adam Eaton began the 12th on second for Washington and advanced to third on Trea Turner's lineout. Juan Soto was walked intentionally before Grant Dayton (2-1) allowed Taylor's single.

It was the longest game of the season by innings for both teams. Washington again jumped out to a 5-0 lead, just like they did Thursday before Atlanta rallied to win 7-6.

This time, the Braves tied it at 7 by scoring three runs in the ninth with two outs against Daniel Hudson, who blew a save for the fourth time this season.

Juan Soto drove in three runs for last-place Washington, which has won five of seven.

Soto hit a two-run double in the first and the Nationals led 3-0 before Atlanta starter Josh Tomlin recorded an out. His RBI single in the third gave Washington a 5-0 lead.

The Braves lost Ronald Acuña Jr. in the fourth inning when he fouled a ball off his left foot. The team said X-rays showed no fracture.

Marcell Ozuna went 5-for-6 and drove in four runs for the Braves. He hit his team-leading 14th homer in the eighth inning and hit a two-run single in the ninth.

Eric Thames and Yan Gomes homered for Washington.

DOOLITTLE SIDELINED

Nationals reliever Sean Doolittle (right oblique strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list for the second time this season. The team is awaiting results...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Nationals-outlast-Braves-8-7-on-Taylor-s-single-15561543.php