Braves clobber Nationals to win 9th straight

Gabriel Burns, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sep 22, 2025

Published in Baseball

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ATLANTA — The Braves are eliminated from postseason contention, but they sure haven’t looked like it.

They won their ninth consecutive game Monday, defeating the Nationals 11-5 to open the final homestand of the season. This season will be remembered for numerous What Ifs, but the strong finish at least builds hope for an emphatic rebound in 2026 – and a lot of intrigue entering a crucial offseason.

Nationals All-Star lefty MacKenzie Gore recorded only six outs against the Braves’ revived offense. That’s been the story of the second half: A unit that appeared so lifeless in the spring and early summer ended on an illustrious run. The Braves are now 32-30 in the second half. They’re 74-76 since beginning the season with an 0-7 road trip that ultimately doomed them in the way many worried.

There’s nothing they can do about that now. They’ll watch October baseball from their couches for the first time since 2017. But they should be encouraged by the team’s finish – the Braves will almost certainly be a popular pick to surge up the standings next season. This closing run will be cited as a reason why.

The Braves’ current win streak is their longest since also winning nine consecutive games from June 24 to July 23, 2023. Eight of these victories have come by multiple runs.

It wasn’t all good news, though, as second baseman Ozzie Albies suffered a fractured hamate bone in his left hand, ending his season. Albies hurt himself while fouling off a pitch and exited the game. It’s a tough blow for Albies, who missed two months a year ago after fracturing the same wrist.

Outfielder Ronald Acuña, being celebrated with a “Red Carpet” bobblehead giveaway Monday (a nod to his All-Star fashion choice), smacked his 19th homer in the opening frame.

Meanwhile, Rookie of the Year candidate Drake Baldwin continued with his hearty closing argument. He had a hit and RBI during the Braves’ five-run third, extending his hitting streak to six games. Baldwin leads National League rookies in RBIs and ranks second in homers, total bases, average, slugging and OPS (minimum 200 plate appearances).

Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who’s been brilliant as a late-season waiver claim, reached base twice. Kim has a $16 million player option that he seems increasingly likely to decline as he proves he’s healthy. But he’s been a perfect fit in the Braves’ lineup, and the team would do well to retain him.

The Braves and Nationals continue their series Tuesday when Hurston Waldrep (5-1, 3.04) faces righty Brad Lord (5-8, 4.18). The Braves have five games remaining.

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