Braves @ Nationals: Game Preview (7/20)

Braves vs Nationals

7:05 PM Nationals Park

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• The innings limit of 160 for Strasburg has disappeared.  GM Rizzo is going to use an "eye test" to decide when to shut him down.
• The Braves will look to start narrowing the 3.5 game gap between them and the Nats tonight.
• Drew Storen is back with the Nationals after his lengthy DL time.

Pitching Match Up:

• Tommy Hanson
• 10-5 with a 4.02 ERA.
• Last time out against the Nats he gave up 2 runs on 6 hits in 7 innings.
• Gave up 6 runs in 5.1 innings last start.

• Stephen Strasburg
• 10-4 with a 2.66 ERA.
• Last start against the Braves he only went 3 innings because of dehydration.
• Pitched 6 innings of shutout ball last start.

Who to Watch:

•  Dan Uggla
• Hitting .538 with 2 homeruns and 8 RBIs against Strasburg lifetime.
• Has 12 homeruns this season (on pace for 21).
• Is only hitting .216 on the year.

• Danny Espinosa
• Hitting .375 against Hanson lifetime.
• Has 24 extra base hits on the season.
• Leads the team in stolen bases (14) and strikeouts (101).

Keys to the Game:

1. Stras-time.  With the burden of the innings limit slightly lessened now, Strasburg will need to deliver a big time performance tonight.
2. Quick Innings.  With a double header looming, a quick game is very important.
3. Get to the late innings.  Storen, T-clip, and Burnett make a formidable end of the game combination.