It may have been the best offensive day of Jeff Francoeur's young career as he pounded out 2 homers and personal best 7 RBIs against the Nationals on Saturday afternoon.

It was a start delayed by rain but another day proving why the Braves may be heading to the top of the NL East soon.

John Smoltz, clearly not at his best, proved why he's undoubtedly one of the greatest pitchers in the game. Battling congestion and shoulder stiffness, Smoltz went 6 strong innings giving up only 5 hits and 1 run (his first of the season). His control was shaky at times but he made the pitches when he needed to.

The offensive also proved dominating boasting 10 runs on the afternoon. Jeff Francoeur had 3 hits including 2 homeruns and Brian McCann went back-to-back once with Francoeur for his 3rd homer of the season. He also had a 3-hit game.

Diaz provided the offensive spark by busting out a double on what would normally just be a single up the middle. Nationals Center-fielder Lastings Milledge played the roller up the middle as routine and took his time tossing the ball back to the infield. By that time it was too late, Diaz was diving into second for a shocking double. He moved to 3rd on a deep fly to right by Kotsay but then provided another surprising moment when Smoltz hit the ball to third. It didn't appear he could score as Zimmerman "looked him back" to third before throwing out Smoltz at first, but as soon as the ball was out of his hand Diaz hustled down the line and scored to a cheering Braves dugout.

That would be the spark the Braves needed and they pounded the Nationals thereafter.

Another good game for the bullpen, giving up 2 hits and 1 run over 3 innings.

Once the game was lopsided, Bobby Cox took Chipper out of the game to rest his sore Quads and Martin Prado took over duties at 3rd.

Tomorrow, Glavine (0-0, 0.79 ERA) takes the mound in an attempt to give the Braves the sweep of the discouraged Washington franchise who have suddenly dropped a gut-wrenching 9 in a row.

He'll be facing Tim Redding (1-1, 0.82 ERA) at 12:35pm CDT in Washington.

Labels: Chipper Jones, Jeff Francoeur, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine