Atlanta Braves Sweep Doubleheader vs. Nationals: Chris Sale Dominates, Matt Olson Powers Extra-Inning Win on September 16, 2025

Tuesday, September 16th, 2025

Atlanta Braves Secure Doubleheader Sweep Against Washington Nationals With 5-0 Extra-Inning Victory

Chris Sale delivered a dominant pitching performance, striking out nine batters while surrendering only three hits over eight innings, as the Atlanta Braves shut out the Washington Nationals 5-0 in the second game of a doubleheader. Matt Olson provided the offensive spark in extra innings, hitting a bases-loaded triple in the 10th inning to break the deadlock and seal the win for Atlanta.

The Braves had already taken the opener of the day with a 6-3 win, with Olson homering for the fourth consecutive game. With these victories, Atlanta extended their winning streak to three, bouncing back from a recent four-game skid.

For Washington, this loss marked their 90th defeat of the season, continuing a challenging five-year stretch where they've reached this milestone each season—a first in the history of the Nationals and the former Montreal Expos franchise.

Pitching and Key Performances

Despite a two-hour rain delay pushing back the start of game two, Chris Sale maintained his composure, walking none and reducing his season ERA to 2.35. Reliever Tyler Kinley added two solid innings, allowing just two hits to preserve the shutout.

Offensively, Drake Baldwin came through with a go-ahead double off Mason Thompson in extra innings, driving the ball over right fielder Dylan Crews’ head. Following Baldwin’s clutch hit, Olson—previously hitless in four at-bats—cleared the bases with his second triple of the season. Ozzie Albies followed with a sacrifice fly to add additional insurance.

Key Moment

In the bottom of the ninth, with runners on the corners, Ronald Acuña Jr. made a spectacular leaping catch at the wall to end the inning, saving the game and sending the contest into extra innings.

Key Stat

This tense battle marked only the ninth Major League Baseball game this season to remain scoreless through nine innings and require extra frames to determine a winner.

Up Next

The Braves will send right-hander Hurston Waldrep (4-1, 2.78 ERA) to the mound as they aim to continue their winning ways. He will face Nationals right-hander Brad Lord (5-8, 4.21 ERA) in the next game of the series on Wednesday.

In summary

The Atlanta Braves continued their strong play with a doubleheader sweep of the Washington Nationals, highlighted by Chris Sale’s outstanding pitching and clutch extra-inning hitting from Matt Olson and Drake Baldwin. The Nationals struggled to generate offense and dropped another game in a difficult season. With more games ahead, the Braves look to maintain momentum and strengthen their playoff positioning, while the Nationals seek improvement amid a rebuilding campaign.

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