Derek Lowe threw eight scoreless innings to beat the Washington Nationals for the first time in four tries this season and the Atlanta Braves won 4-0 on Monday to keep pace in the tight National League playoff race.

Lowe (13-12) had lost all three previous starts against Washington this season, but he was dominant from the outset in this one. He racked up a career-high 12 strikeouts and didn't allow a runner to reach second base until Nyjer Morgan's leadoff double in the eighth. Lowe allowed six hits and didn't walk anyone.

The Braves staked the veteran right-hander to an early lead with four runs in the second. Nate McLouth, Matt Diaz and Omar Infante drove in runs during the big inning.

Nationals starter Yunesky Maya (0-2) allowed four runs on five hits over six innings in his second major league start.

Morgan and Ryan Zimmerman had two hits apiece for the Nationals, who have lost six consecutive games.

Braves closer Billy Wagner struck out the side in the ninth in a non-save situation.