ATLANTA -- A rain delay halted the rally the Braves were mounting during the eighth inning of Sunday afternoon's game against the Nationals at Turner Field.
Play was halted after Nationals reliever Yusmeiro Petit intentionally walked Jace Peterson to load the bases with no outs in the eighth inning. Matt Kemp cut the Braves' deficit to 6-5 when he opened the inning with a home run. Jeff Francoeur followed with a single and advanced to third when Petit made an errant throw to first after fielding Anthony Recker's sacrifice bunt.
The Nationals are attempting to complete a four-game series sweep, but their bullpen has allowed nine runs -- five earned -- over the past 5 1/3 innings, dating back to Friday.