Washington @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 29, 2013 ) Washington 2, Atlanta 3

Tim Hudson came agonizingly close to his 200th career victory in his last start. Hudson takes the mound for host Atlanta in Tuesday’s second game of a four-game set with National League East rival Washington looking to become the 113th pitcher in major-league history to win 200 or more games. The Braves lost the lead with two outs in the ninth inning Wednesday at Colorado, falling in extra innings during a miserable road trip that saw Atlanta lose seven of 10 contests.

Bryce Harper woke up on the final day of April last season with two games and eight at-bats of major-league experience. Now at the ripe old age of 20, the Washington outfielder already has established himself as one of the game’s marquee players. Harper’s exuberance, hustle and immense talent make him a focal point. He helped the Nationals reach the postseason in 2012, and so far Harper is second in the NL with a .356 average this season. Atlanta won Monday's series opener 3-2.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (Washington), SportSouth (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (2-1, 4.50 ERA) vs. Braves RH Tim Hudson (2-1, 4.50).

Gonzalez won 21 games last season, but struggled through most of April. He displayed his 2012 form in his last start, holding Cincinnati to one hit and one earned run in eight sparkling innings. The Braves handed the left-hander his only loss on April 14, pounding Gonzalez for seven earned runs on seven hits in five innings.

Hudson gave up six earned runs on nine hits in a poor outing April 19 at Pittsburgh, but beat the Nationals six days earlier with seven innings of one-run, four-hit ball. The right-hander gave up three earned runs on six hits in his last start at Colorado, and was in line to get the win before Dexter Fowler’s two-run double in the ninth off Craig Kimbrel. Hudson has won 51 games since the start of 2010.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington activated C Wilson Ramos (left hamstring strain) from the disabled list on Monday.

2. Atlanta has beaten Washington eight straight times dating back to last season, outscoring the Nationals 38-14.

3. A victory for Hudson would make him the third active pitcher with 200 or more victories (Andy Pettitte and Roy Halladay).

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Braves 3