Hudson Goes Eight Innings in Braves Win

Tim Hudson scattered three hits over eight innings, outpitching Nationals starter Matt Chico, and Atlanta defeated Washington, 3-0, on Friday. Hudson struck out five and walked two while improving to 6-1 all-time against the Nationals. Yunel Escobar hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, and the Braves added two runs in the ninth on a bases-loaded single by Matt Diaz.

Chico (0-2) gave Washington eight strong innings, allowing one run and five hits with three strikeouts. It was the longest outing of his career, but his only pitch to Escobar in the sixth inning cost him the game. It was the eighth straight loss for the Nationals, their longest losing streak since also dropping eight straight last May. (More MLB stories.)