WASHINGTON (AP) — Peter Bourjos began the game on the bench for the Atlanta Braves. Didn’t get in until the seventh inning. He made quite a contribution, nonetheless.

Bourjos threw out a runner at the plate shortly after taking over in left field, then drove in two runs with a bases-loaded single in the 12th. Atlanta’s bullpen finally made a lead stand up, helping the Braves beat the Washington Nationals 5-3 Wednesday after starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy left with a hurting left shoulder.

“He’s the player of the game and gets a little cameo at the end,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said about Bourjos. “Good for him. Both were huge plays.”

There were many of those on a lengthy afternoon. Two homers by Atlanta catcher Kurt Suzuki (who used to play in Washington), in the fourth and 11th innings. A failed steal of home by Ender Inciarte with Suzuki batting to end the 10th. Two blowns saves by Braves relievers, including when Arodys Vizcaino allowed Matt Adams’ tying homer in the bottom of the ninth.

The good news for Atlanta, aside from the victory, was that McCarthy and Snitker both said they expect the righty to be able to make his next start. READ MORE>