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The last time Livan Hernandez got through seven innings in a game, he was on the mound exactly where he'll be tonight, in Turner Field against the Braves. Since then, Hernandez has posted just one quality start, in his last outing against the Mets. He's struggled getting calls on the outside corner of the plate - a critical component of Hernandez's game - and has given up a home run in three of his last four starts.
Hernandez, who will try to become the first Nationals pitcher to post double-digit wins since Tim Redding in 2008, looked like he was heading in the right direction in his last start. He allowed two runs in the third inning, but his third earned run didn't come until after he'd left the game (you probably remember the play - Nick Evans slipping a double off Sean Burnett past Adam Dunn). But Hernandez kept himself out of big innings, despite getting in trouble a few times, and left with an effective start.
He'll try to replicate it against a Braves lineup that's had some success against him. Atlanta's No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 hitters all have OPSes of over .900 against him (Jason Heyward at 1.357, Martin Prado at 1.313 and Brian McCann at .909). On the other side, the Nationals haven't had great success against Braves starter Jair Jurrjens, who has a 2.32 ERA against them in his last five appearances, and has struck out 15 batters in 13 innings against them this year.
