Siena Grad John Lannan Leads Nationals Over Braves

Siena graduate John Lannan helped out his own cause on Saturday night.

The Washington pitcher got the win as well his first two hits of the season to lead the Nationals to a 5-2 win over the Atlanta Braves.

Lannan went 5 2/3 innings and allowed just 2 runs on 5 hits. He walked 4 and struck out 4.

Lannan also drove in two runs and earned the win eight days after he escaped with only a small cartilage break in his nose when he was hit by a line drive. The Manhasset, NY native didn't miss a start and looked solid in his first start after the All-Star break.

Michael Morse's leadoff double sparked the Nationals' three-run second inning off Braves starter Tommy Hanson. Morse scored on another double by Ramos before Lannan's bases-loaded single drove in two runs.

Lannan, a career .083 hitter, was 0 for 32 this season before his grounder bounced past Hanson and over second base, driving in Rick Ankiel, who walked, and Ramos. Lannan added a single in the sixth after Ramos' homer.

Lannan, who left Siena after his junior season, was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 11th round (324th overall) of the 2005 MLB Draft.

Lannan is 6-6 with a 3.62 ERA this season. He's 7-4 in 13 career starts against Atlanta, including 5-2 at Turner Field.