Tim Hudson earned his 16th victory as the Atlanta Braves increased their National League wild card lead by defeating Stephen Strasburg and the host Washington Nationals 7-4 on Friday.

Hudson (16-10) allowed three runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings as the Braves moved three games ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals and reduced their magic number to clinch a playoff berth to three. St. Louis lost to Chicago 5-1 on Friday, which clinched the NL Central title for Milwaukee.

Hudson improved to 4-1 against Washington this season and 14-3 in his career. Craig Kimbrel pitched the ninth and earned his 46th save.

Strasburg (0-1) allowed three runs in the first inning and left after four innings and 76 pitches, the most he has thrown in four starts since returning from the disabled list. He struck out three and did not walk a batter.

The Braves scored off Strasburg on RBI singles by Dan Uggla and Freddie Freeman, and on a fielding error by third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who allowed a ground ball to roll through his legs.