Washington @ Atlanta preview
Turner Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 16, 2013 ) Washington 2, Atlanta 3
The Atlanta Braves' pitching staff is good enough on its own, but the Washington Nationals seem to bring out its best. The Braves have held the Nationals to three or fewer runs in 13 straight meetings heading into the middle contest of a three-game series Saturday in Atlanta. Justin Upton's home run in the 10th inning lifted the Braves in the series opener on Friday, giving Atlanta 11 wins in 14 meetings this season.
The dominance over Washington is a big reason why the Braves have a 15 1/2-game cushion in the National League East, by far the largest margin in any division. Tempers have flared between the division rivals recently, as Nationals star Bryce Harper was hit with pitches twice on Friday, resulting in warnings to both benches. Harper drew the Braves' ire earlier this month when he stared down a home run and was later plunked by Julio Teheran, who is scheduled to start Sunday.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN, WUSA 9 (Washington), FSN South (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (6-9, 2.83 ERA) vs. Braves LH Mike Minor (12-5, 2.87)
Strasburg was dominating his last time out, striking out 10 in a four-hit shutout of the Phillies for his first career complete game. It was the third time in his last four outings the 25-year-old fireballer has recorded a quality start with at least nine strikeouts. Strasburg is 3-4 with a 3.43 ERA in 11 starts against Atlanta.
Minor has quietly been one of the NL's top pitchers this season, and he won his third straight decision last time out despite allowing four runs over seven innings against Miami. It snapped a streak of six straight quality starts for the 25-year-old southpaw. Minor is 3-2 with a 4.30 ERA in seven starts against Washington and didn't get a decision in the only meeting this year.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Nationals have scored three or fewer runs in 18 of Strasburg's 23 starts.
2. Braves 1B Freddie Freeman is 7-for-16 with a homer against Strasburg.
3. Washington RF Jayson Werth is 16-for-32 during an eight-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Nationals 2, Braves 1