Bergmann stifles the Braves’ bats, 2-1

Jason Bergmann took a bid for a no-hitter into the eighth inning and got his first major league win as a starter, leading the Washington Nationals over the Atlanta Braves, 2-1, on Monday night.

Bergmann cruised through the first seven innings, but Brian McCann hit a leadoff homer in the eighth. The right-hander responded by retiring the next three to get out of the inning.

“It wasn’t like it was a big deal,” Bergmann said. “You try to limit the number of hits you give up. If it’s zero, it’s fine. I wasn’t going for the no-hitter at all.”

Bergmann was so focused that he forgot to go to the on-deck circle in the seventh inning after Braves pitcher John Smoltz hurt his pitching hand making a tag in a rundown. Manager Manny Acta had to remind him about his hitting responsibilities.

Bergmann came out for the ninth inning and departed after pinch-hitter Matt Diaz singled. Jesus Colome got two out before Edgar Renteria singled to bring up Andruw Jones, who struck out after being ahead in the count, 3-and-0. It was Colome’s first save of the season.

Bergmann (1-3) struck out 10 and walked one to get his first win since Sept. 15, 2005, and first in 15 major league starts. He’s holding opponents to a .162 batting average.

Smoltz, who turns 40 on Tuesday, pitched well before he dislocated his right pinkie finger tagging Austin Kearns in the bottom of the seventh.

Immediately after applying the tag at chest level, Smoltz fell to the ground in obvious pain. He then got up, looked at his hand and slammed his glove to the ground in frustration. He left the field after being examined by a trainer.

X-rays were negative.

“It was just fluky,” Smoltz said. “I don’t know how it happened. It happened so fast, and the next thing I know, I’m looking at my hand going ‘Oh no’ -- and I’m coming off the field.”