Scott Olsen Takes No-Hitter Into Eighth

May 07, 2010 8:18 AM EST

Nationals starter Scott Olsen took a no-hitter into the eighth inning on Thursday night against the Braves.

Washington eventually beat Atlanta 3-2 at Nationals Park.

Olsen said he was motivated by being sent to the minor leagues at the beginning of the season.

"Yes. Very," he said. "Very. I'll leave it at that. Very."

Olsen retired 22 of the first 23 Braves he faced.

He did not give up a hit until David Ross' clean single to left with one out in the eighth.

"I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't thinking about it," Olsen said of the prospect of a no-hitter.

"I was thinking about it early. I thought about it in the fourth and fifth inning. But it's one of those things that's hard -- real hard -- to do."