WASHINGTON (AP) -- Bryce Harper homered for the third straight day, and the Washington Nationals beat the lowly Atlanta Braves 8-4 on Sunday to pull within four games of NL East-leading New York heading into a big series against the Mets.Jayson Werth hit a three-run homer in Washington's five-run second, helping the Nationals to their fifth straight win and seventh in nine games overall. Yunel Escobar had three hits and scored two runs.Five Washington relievers combined for 4 2-3 innings of two-hit ball, with Felipe Rivero (2-1) picking up the win.The Nationals will send ace Max Scherzer to the mound for the opener of their three-game set against New York on Monday. Jonathon Niese goes for the visiting Mets. 
Nick Markakis had two hits for Atlanta, and Nick Swisher drove in two runs. But Manny Banuelos (1-4) was knocked out in the third inning, and the Braves went on to their 12th straight loss.Swisher singled in Markakis in the first, but the Nationals responded with five runs in the second and two more in the third.Michael Taylor put Washington ahead to stay with a two-run double in the second. Pitcher Joe Ross was hit by Banuelos with two out, and Werth followed with a drive to left for his seventh homer.Werth is hitting .324 (23 for 71) with four homers and 10 RBIs since moving into the leadoff spot 17 games ago.
Nick Markakis had two hits for Atlanta, and Nick Swisher drove in two runs. But Manny Banuelos (1-4) was knocked out in the third inning, and the Braves went on to their 12th straight loss.Swisher singled in Markakis in the first, but the Nationals responded with five runs in the second and two more in the third.Michael Taylor put Washington ahead to stay with a two-run double in the second. Pitcher Joe Ross was hit by Banuelos with two out, and Werth followed with a drive to left for his seventh homer.Werth is hitting .324 (23 for 71) with four homers and 10 RBIs since moving into the leadoff spot 17 games ago.
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