Strasburg struggles in 6th as Braves top Nats

VIERA, Fla. -- Stephen Strasburg was dominant over five innings, then gave up four runs in the sixth as the Atlanta Braves defeated the Washington Nationals 7-2 Monday.

Making his fourth spring training start, Strasburg faced just one batter over the minimum entering the sixth inning. But after retiring Christian Bethancourt on a flyout, Strasburg gave up a walk and three hits, including a two-run single by Justin Upton.

Atlanta starter Paul Maholm allowed two hits in five scoreless innings with five strikeouts.

B.J. Upton had an RBI single and Ernesto Mejia added a two-run double for Atlanta, both against reliever Zach Duke.

Bryce Harper went 1 for 3 for Washington, and closer Rafael Soriano pitched a scoreless inning.