The Nationals couldn’t have asked for a better weekend in Baltimore, where they swept the fading Orioles thanks to a long-awaited offensive surge. Now, can they keep it going back at home against the Braves?
In a rematch of last week’s series in Atlanta, the Nationals know they need to do more offensively, especially against the opposing starters. And they’ve got to face a doozy of one tonight in Spencer Strider. The young ace of the Braves staff made his return from Tommy John surgery last month, only to strain his hamstring after one start. Now he returns again, his arm fully healthy and ready to unleash his impressive arsenal. Will he be rusty? Will he be limited? Those could be key questions tonight.
Mitchell Parker faces the Braves for the second time in a week, looking for better results this time around. The lefty gave up four runs in 4 2/3 innings at Truist Park, though in a more positive development he issued only two walks while striking out six.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. ATLANTA BRAVES
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 6:45 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 87.7 FM (Spanish), MLB.com
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 70 degrees, wind 5 mph in from right field
NATIONALS
SS CJ Abrams
LF James Wood
1B Nathaniel Lowe
C Keibert Ruiz
2B Luis García Jr.
DH Josh Bell
RF Dylan Crews
3B José Tena
CF Jacob Young
LHP Mitchell Parker
BRAVES
Lineup TBA
RHP Spencer Strider