Machado puts in the work for 9th straight scoreless appearance

ATLANTA -- The last time Andres Machado faced the Braves out of the Nationals bullpen on June 14, he surrendered two runs in as many innings.

He hasn’t allowed a run since then.

Machado tossed his ninth consecutive scoreless relief appearance on Sunday in the Nats’ 4-3, 12-inning loss to the Braves at Truist Park. During this 10-inning stretch, the right-hander has recorded six strikeouts, issued two walks and given up only six hits.

“The biggest thing with him -- as every young pitcher -- is one, controlling your emotions when you’re out there, and two is throwing strikes,” manager Dave Martinez said. “He’s done both of that here as of late, and you can see the rewards.”

Machado, 29, began his second season with Washington on the Opening Day roster. But it would take work to get this locked in on the mound. Machado was optioned three times to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings from May to mid-June as the Nationals maneuvered injuries and pitch and inning counts in a taxed bullpen.

“He’s gone up and down a few times and really worked on the things that we’ve talked to him about,” Martinez said. “Now, he’s continuing to knock the door down.”

Machado took a detailed approach to his pitching and honed in on small adjustments. He altered the spacing of his feet so they stay more open on his landing, and he has noticed the difference.

“When the season started, I felt a little bit like I couldn’t find my right delivery,” Machado explained. “So I started watching video, seeing what I did last year. I started working with the pitching coach [Jim Hickey]. Now, I found my delivery and I feel comfortable now.”

Martinez lauded Machado for attacking the strike zone with improved movement and location of his fastball. He also noted Machado has implemented advice on pushing through the highs and lows of an outing.

“He’s a very emotional guy out there,” Martinez said. “He wears everything on his sleeve. I had a great conversation with him about [how] you’ve got to go out there and be even-keeled in those situations and stick to that one particular moment and don’t try to get ahead of yourself and just make pitches. He’s done a way better job of that.”

A former starter in the Royals organization, Machado has reiterated to Martinez he will pitch in any situation, whether it is to face one batter, throw multiple innings or even make a spot start. Martinez has turned to Machado to come through in high-leverage moments -- a scenario he thrives in. Machado ranks first in the National League (and fourth in all of baseball) having permitted 11.8 percent of inherited runners to cross the plate.

This was magnified when Machado entered the July 5 matchup against the Phillies to face Kyle Schwarber, who had already homered twice that night, with the bases loaded and two outs.

Machado fanned the slugger.

“For sure, I was happy,” Machado said. “It’s one of the moments I want to come in here, I want to show I can do it.

“It’s a big situation, and I love that.”