Washington @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 15, 2018 ) Washington 7, Atlanta 1

The Washington Nationals head into Sunday’s series finale at the Atlanta Braves trying to keep their slim playoff hopes alive and, while this season has been a disappointment for the two-time defending National League East champion, there remains optimism for the future. Rookie outfielder Juan Soto continued his remarkable season Saturday as the 19-year-old stole three bases in a 7-1 victory, becoming the youngest player since 1900 to accomplish that feat in one game.

Soto finished 1-for-2 with three walks to extend his hitting streak to nine games (.351) and his on-base streak to 20 contests, helping the Nationals pull within 8 ½ games of the first-place Braves. Atlanta’s six-game winning streak ended with a thud as Braves pitchers combined to walk 14 hitters, breaking the franchise record for most free passes (13) in a nine-inning game set in 1938. Ronald Acuna Jr. finished with one of Atlanta’s two hits, giving the rookie outfielder a .341 average with 18 homers in 54 games since moving to the leadoff spot. The Braves have lost 11 of their past 15 home contests and are just three games above .500 at home (38-35) on the season.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (8-15, 4.37 ERA) vs. Braves LH Sean Newcomb (12-8, 3.82)

Roark has endured a miserable season, leading the NL in losses and hits allowed (176) two seasons after going 16-10 with a 2.83 ERA. The 31-year-old went 3-2 with a 2.78 ERA in six starts during August but has struggled in two September outings, giving up 11 runs on 20 hits in 9 2/3 innings. Roark is 1-2 in three appearances against the Braves this season, allowing 13 hits in 14 innings with six walks, and giving up a walkoff homer in a June 3 relief appearance.

Newcomb rebounded from a rough stretch in his last start, issuing no walks with eight strikeouts while allowing one run on three hits over six innings Monday at San Francisco. The 25-year-old, who has thrown a career-high 155 1/3 innings, posted a 6.75 ERA in five August starts with 36 hits allowed over 25 1/3 innings but has surrendered only four runs and seven hits in 10 1/3 frames during two games in September. Newcomb is 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA in three starts against Washington this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington stole a season-high six bases Saturday, including Soto’s three, two by INF Wilmer Difo and one by OF Adam Eaton.

2. Braves RHP Arodys Vizcaino, sidelined since July 11 with a right shoulder injury, pitched a scoreless ninth inning Saturday.

3. Washington 3B Anthony Rendon extended his on-base streak to 24 games, and eight of his last 16 hits have been doubles.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Nationals 3