The Nationals scored early and often, and it proved to be enough as they edged the Tigers, 5-4, at Nationals Park on Thursday afternoon. Washington swept the two-game series and is now on a four-game winning streak, improving its record to 19-15.

The Nats entered Thursday's game with 11 first-inning runs, the fewest in the National League and third fewest in Major League Baseball, while Tigers right-hander Doug Fister had not allowed a first-inning run, and only four first-inning hits, over six starts.

That would change Thursday, as Washington scored three runs off Fister in the first inning. After Denard Span led off with a double and Roger Bernadina reached base on a bunt single, Bryce Harper grounded into a fielder's choice, with Span scoring on the play to give the Nationals a 1-0 lead.

After Ryan Zimmerman singled to put runners on first and second, Adam LaRoche singled to center fielder Austin Jackson, who allowed the ball to go past him for an error which allowed Harper to score.