Braves @ Nationals: Game Preview (7/22)

Braves vs Nationals

1:35 PM Nationals Park

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• The Nats are looking to split their 4 game series with the Braves with a win today.
• With a win the Braves will be with in 1.5 games of taking over first place.

Pitching Match Up:

• Jair Jurrjens
• 3-3 with a 6.20 ERA.
• Has give up 6 homeruns in 9 games.
• Gave up 8 runs on 8 hits in 3.1 innings last start.

• Ross Detwiler
• 4-3 with a 3.15 ERA.
• Has 2.3 strikeouts for every walk this season.
• Pitched 7 scoreless innings last start, but was handed a no decision by the pen.

Who to Watch:

• Martin Prado
• Batting .538 lifetime against Detwiler.
• Went 2-8 in yesterday's doubleheader.
• Had no runs scored or RBIs yesterday.

• Ryan Zimmerman
• Batting .364 lifetime against Jurrjens.
• Also has 5 RBIs and a homerun when facing Jurrjens.
• Went 3-7 in yesterday's doubleheader.

Keys to the Game:

1. Detwiler Goes 7. If Ross does, it will be the third Nats starter to do so.
2. Ryan Zim Goes Yard.  Predicting that a Zim homer will decide this game.
3. No Errors.  In the field or on the bases.  After a long day, staying mentally focused will be a challenge.