ATLANTA -- One of the most consistent messages from manager Dave Martinez all season has been the desire for the Nationals to accept their walks. With a lineup this deep and talented, he wants to limit the number of times they chase pitches out of the zone, knowing if opposing teams put a runner on base, there is someone behind them to pick up the slack.
The Nationals did just that Saturday afternoon against the Braves, drawing a club-record 14 walks en route to a 7-1 victory at SunTrust Park. Seven of the Nats' eight position players drew at least one walk as Bryce Harper and Juan Soto led the way with three walks each.