ATLANTA -- Ryan Zimmerman has suffered through three injury-plagued seasons. Now that he's healthy again, the first baseman is putting up the kind of numbers to which the Washington Nationals have grown accustomed since he joined the lineup for keeps in 2006.

"The last 2-3 years have been a struggle for me," said Zimmerman, who has persevered through fractured thumbs, plantar fasciitis, an oblique strain and a ribcage strain that kept him out of 215 games over the last three years. "It's nice to be able to play."

Zimmerman's three hits were the centerpiece of Washington's 11-hit attack and supported seven strong innings from starter Max Scherzer as the Nationals beat the Atlanta Braves 4-2 on Tuesday at SunTrust Park.

Zimmerman was 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs. The double was his 30th of the season, the sixth time he's reached that milestone. He has driven in 101 runs, the third time he's surpassed 100 and nine shy of his career best.

Scherzer (15-6) rebounded nicely from his last start, when he allowed seven runs over five innings. He was sharp from the beginning Tuesday, retiring the first 11 batters he faced, and gave up two runs on five hits and one walk over seven innings.

"Nothing surprises me with him," shortstop Trea Turner said. "After the first two hitters, I thought he might pitch a no-hitter. I know that sounds crazy, but in my mind, I'm like, 'He might do it again.'"

Scherzer struck out seven, giving him 253 and making him the first since Randy Johnson (1997-2002) to surpass 250 in four straight seasons.

"It's cool," Scherzer said. "You've got to be durable to accomplish that and I've been durable. I've been able to get my 30-plus starts every year."

Ryan Madson worked around a leadoff walk to pitch a scoreless eighth inning. Sean Doolittle pitched a scoreless ninth and earned his 19th save in 19 tries with Washington.

Atlanta starter Luiz Gohara (1-2) pitched 6 1/3 innings and allowed four runs and 11 hits with four strikeouts. Gohara limited the Nationals to two runs in six innings in his last start.

"He battles," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. "He's a strike thrower. He gets the ball over the plate. I thought he was a little sharper the other day in Washington, but he's still pretty good. I like the fact he got us into the seventh inning."

Dan Winkler pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings and Jason Motte worked a scoreless ninth.

Turner was 2-for-4 with a double, one RBI, two runs scored and two stolen bases, the last one setting a Washington club record with 41 steals.

"Our guys are having good years," Washington manager Dusty Baker said. "It's especially nice when you're getting wins while guys are getting those numbers."

The Nationals scored two runs in the third inning. Matt Wieters ended an 0-for-17 skid with a double, went to second on a sacrifice and scored when Turner singled up the middle against the drawn-in infield.

Zimmerman singled Turner home with two outs.

Scherzer retired the first 11 batters he faced before the Braves strung three consecutive singles together to produce a run. Freddie Freeman and Nick Markakis singled and Kurt Suzuki got the RBI.

"We had our chances," Snitker said. "We narrowed the gap. Against a guy like that it's almost like keep it close as long as you can and maybe the next guy will bend a little bit."

The Nationals got the run back in the fifth. Jayson Werth doubled and scored on a sharply hit grounder by Zimmerman that was originally ruled an error and later changed to an RBI single.

The Braves cut the lead to 3-2 with a run in the fifth. Lane Adams walked, stole second and scored on Dansby Swanson's double.

NOTES: The Braves announced the approval of a new $100 million complex in southwest Florida that will host spring training starting in 2019. Authorities in North Port, Fla., approved the deal on Tuesday for unincorporated Sarasota County. The site will have a stadium that can accommodate 8,000, with six practice fields, two half-fields, a clubhouse and office facilities. The Braves have trained at Disney's Wide World of Sports in Kissimmee, Fla., since 1998. ... Washington scratched Daniel Murphy from the lineup before the game with left hamstring tightness and used Wilmer Difo at second base. Ryan Zimmerman was moved into the cleanup spot. ... Washington LHP Gio Gonzalez celebrated his 32nd birthday. ... Washington OF Bryce Harper ran the bases and took some swings under simulated game circumstances Tuesday. Harper has been sidelined since Aug. 13 with a hyperextended left knee. ... Atlanta CF Ender Inciarte left the game in the fifth inning with left thumb soreness. Manager Brian Snitker said there was no structural damage and Inciarte would likely only miss Wednesday's game.