Atlanta Braves' Grant Holmes Dealt Difficult Defeat vs. Nationals on Saturday

The Atlanta Braves  have played well this season without question, but the ball club was defeated on Saturday. The Braves dropped a 2-0 pitcher's duel to the Washington Nationals in the contest. Grant Holmes pitched well despite only turning in five innings of work.

He allowed just two runs while striking out 10 hitters during that span. He did surrender six hits and two home runs, but it was a strong performance nonetheless. Meanwhile, Jake Irvin did not allow a hit over five innings while striking out seven.

Overall, Nationals pitching only gave up one total hit. Michael Harris II was the only Braves player to record a hit in the ball game. Atlanta walked once as well and that was it from an offensive standpoint.

It was a surprising performance given how well the Braves have hit the baseball this year. Baseball features a long 162-game season, though, so there are going to be forgettable games like the one the team had on Saturday. Overall, Atlanta is still 36-17 as they continue to lead the National League East.