Nationals win pitchers’ duel with Atlanta, 2-1

A Bryce Harper two-run double broke an eighth-inning scoreless tie and lifted the Washington Nationals to a 2-1 win over the Atlanta Braves Tuesday night.

The win lifts the Nats to an early 5-1 record in 2016.

Gio Gonzalez, in his first start of the season, put in six scoreless innings for Washington, allowing three hits, striking out four and walking one.

But the Nationals had their own issues getting things going offensively, as Jhoulys Chacin and three relievers had a shutout of their own going into the eighth.

Harper’s two-out double off Atlanta reliever Eric O’Flaherty finally broke the seal.

Blake Treinen (2-0) got the win in relief.