ATLANTA — Pinch-hitter Matt den Dekker, recalled from the minors earlier in the day, had a tiebreaking, two-run double in a three-run seventh inning that led the Washington Nationals over the Atlanta Braves 3-1 Wednesday night for an opening two-game sweep.
Stephen Strasburg (1-0), starting his final season with the Nationals before becoming eligible for free agency, allowed one run and six hits in six innings.
Jonathan Papelbon gave up one-out singles to Adonis Garcia, who had three hits, and Nick Markakis in the ninth. With Garcia at third and pinch-runner Drew Stubbs on second with two outs, Papelbon struck out A.