KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Tim Hudson tuned up for his opening day start with six scoreless innings and Justin Upton hit a towering home run to lead the Atlanta Braves over the Washington Nationals 4-3 Thursday night.

Before the game, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Hudson would make his third opening day start for Atlanta.

Hudson came into the game with a 5.40 ERA this spring. He allowed six hits, struck out five and walked none while throwing 45 of his 65 pitches for strikes.

Upton's homer leading off the sixth inning against Nationals starter Dan Haren cleared the scoreboard in deep left-center field. It was his fifth homer of the spring and gave him 17 RBIs in 20 games.

Haren worked 5 1/3 innings and allowed eight hits and four runs.