Tim Hudson pitched well on Saturday night but was left with a no-decision. Hudson allowed an unearned run on three hits and a walk before leaving with one out in the eighth.
The Braves did little more against Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez managing just a run on a ground out by Andeltron Simmons that scored Dan Uggla in the third.
It would take extra innings to decide the game and the bat of B.J. Upton. Earlier this week word was leaked that the Braves were considering sending Upton to the minors due to lack of production.
In the tenth inning it was Upton that drove in the winning run for the Braves. It started when Evan Gattis was walked to start tenth. Jordan Schafer would pinch run for Gattis and then steal second before a Dan Uggla walk. One batter latter Upton smacked a line drive to right giving the Braves a 2-1 win.
The win returns the Braves lead in the NL East to 5.5 games over the Nationals. On Sunday the two teams will meet in the rubber game of a three game series.
