Kelly Johnson's HR helps Atlanta Braves beat reeling Washington Nationals, 8-4

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Eric Stults throws in the first inning of Monday's game against the Washington Nationals in Atlanta. - photo by John Bazemore | Associated Press

0428Braves1 — Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Eric Stults throws in the first inning of Monday's game against the Washington Nationals in Atlanta. - photo by John Bazemore | Associated Press

ATLANTA — Based on the intensity shown in the season's first game between NL East rivals Washington and Atlanta, the remaining 18 games in the season series could be interesting. Kelly Johnson homered and drove in three runs, Eric Stults pitched 6 1-3 strong innings and the Braves beat Washington 8-4 on Monday night to give the Nationals their sixth straight loss. Tensions rose following a hard slide into third base by Atlanta's Andrelton Simmons in the fifth.

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