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Let’s play two! That’s right, the Nationals will have not one, but two chances to get back into this series against the rival Braves in today’s split doubleheader. This 1:05 p.m. game is a makeup from a rainout on May 21, which technically gave Washington a two-game series sweep over Atlanta.
After last night’s 11-3 drubbing, the Nats will look to put together better at-bats against a slew of Braves relievers, starting with opener José Suarez. The 27-year-old left-hander has spent most of this season with Atlanta’s Triple-A affiliate after making three major league relief appearances over the season’s first 12 games. He was charged with three runs (two earned) and seven walks with five strikeouts across 7 ⅓ innings.
The Nats typically don’t fare well when the opposition commits to a bullpen game, so it will be in their best interest to get to Suarez early and often.
Meanwhile, Jake Irivn will start the afternoon game for Miguel Cairo’s squad. The right-hander has been the losing pitcher of record in each of his last five starts and hasn’t won a game since his gem in his hometown of Minneapolis on July 27. The Nats have lost seven of the eight games he has started since. But he did toss a quality start against the Braves in Atlanta back on May 12.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. ATLANTA BRAVES
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLBN (out-of-market only), MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, DC 87.7 (Spanish), MLB.com
Weather: Chance of rain, 70 degrees, wind 13 mph in from right field
BRAVES
LF Jurickson Profar
1B Matt Olson
DH Ronald Acuña Jr.
C Drake Baldwin
2B Ozzie Albies
SS Ha-Seong Kim
CF Michael Harris II
RF Eli White
3B Vidal Bruján
LHP José Suarez
NATIONALS
SS CJ Abrams
DH James Wood
1B Andrés Chaparro
LF Daylen Lile
C Jorge Alfaro
2B Luis García Jr.
RF Dylan Crews
3B Brady House
CF Jacob Young
RHP Jake Irvin
