ATLANTA (AP) — Jon Lester wasn't worried about pitching on short rest. His strong outing was well-timed for a Washington team that again has lost Stephen Strasburg to an injury.
Lester gave Washington’s thin rotation a boost, Yan Gomes hit a go-ahead homer in the eighth inning and the Nationals beat the Atlanta Braves 5-3 on Wednesday night.
Lester, starting on three days’ rest, was asked by Washington manager Dave Martinez to “just take us as long as he can go.” Lester came within one out of matching his longest start of the season as he gave up only one run on five hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings.