Tim Hudson threw seven strong innings and left with a major league-best 1.81 ERA as the San Francisco Giants avoided a four-game sweep, beating the Washington Nationals 7-1 on Thursday.San Francisco Giants' Michael Morse celebrates after scoring on Gregor Blanco's base hit against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Thursday, June 12, 2014.San Francisco Giants' Pablo Sandoval hits a sacrifice fly to score Hunter Pence during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals in San Francisco, Thursday, June 12, 2014.San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Hudson throws against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Thursday, June 12, 2014.