Justin Upton's two-run single began a six-run sixth inning and the Atlanta Braves defeated the Washington Nationals, 7-2, in spring training action on Monday.

B.J. Upton and Blake DeWitt sandwiched run-scoring hits around Ernesto Mejia's two-run double to break the game open for Atlanta, which pounded Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg for four runs on four hits over 5 1/3 innings. Strasburg did strike out five batters, however.

Paul Maholm made the start for the Braves and earned the win with five scoreless innings of work. He surrendered just two hits and had five strikeouts.

Carlos Rivero contributed an RBI and Tyler Moore hit a solo homer in the ninth for the Nationals in the setback.

Game Notes