Rookie left-hander Parker records another strong start as Nationals beat Morton, Braves 8-4

ATLANTA — Mitchell Parker threw five hits in the seventh inning and CJ Abrams hit a home runhelping the Washington Nationals beat the depleted Atlanta Braves 8-4 on Monday.

Parker (4-2) allowed three runs, struck out six and walked none in 6 1/3 innings. He threw 100 pitches, 74 of which were strikes.

The rookie left-hander allowed three runs or fewer in each of his first eight major league starts. Efficiency is one of Parker’s keys to success.