The Tomahawk Times - Nationals take series with 15-6 pounding of Braves

ATLANTA -- Home has been anything but sweet for Atlanta Braves' starter Jo-Jo Reyes this season. The Washington Nationals pounded Reyes for six runs in just two and a third innings, as they took a 15-6 victory in the series finale on Sunday.

Reyes (3-9) has been a Jekyll and Hyde act this year when it comes to his home and road numbers. The six runs surrendered in Sunday's start ballooned his home ERA to 7.14, as opposed to a 2.72 mark on the road.

The Nationals treated reliever Buddy Carlyle just as rudely, tacking six more on the board in the fourth inning alone. A seemingly miniscule strike zone added to the frustrations, with homeplate umpire Chris Guccione ejecting Braves skipper Bobby Cox for arguing balls and strikes in the top of the third.

It was another big day for former Braves outfielder Willie Harris, who went 2-for-3 with a homer, five RBI and three walks. Harris batted .583 in the three game series, driving in seven runs and reaching base 11 times.

Washington catcher Jesus Flores had a career-high five hits in six at-bats. Flores drove in two runs and scored two more in the Nationals pasting of Atlanta.

Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez each had three hit days as well, with Kearns scoring five of the 15 Washington runs. All-Star shortstop Christian Guzman was the only Nationals position player not to record a hit in the contest.

Washington starter Odalis Perez (3-7) was far from impressive, allowing five runs on nine hits, but lasted the minimum of five innings to record the victory.

A two home run game for first baseman Mark Teixeira may have been the lone bright spot of the day for the Braves. Teixeira now has 19 homers and 72 runs knocked in on the season.