The Washington Nationals (30-62) will host the Atlanta Braves (55-37) in the final game of a four-game series on Sunday, in what is all season the last day before the all star break. The Braves beat the Nationals 5-4 on Thursday, and 8-4 on Friday. Saturday's game had not yet started at the time of this preview.
The Atlanta Braves won their 8th straight head-to-head game against the Nationals on Friday. The Braves led 6-0 after five innings and cruised wth the Nationals adding three meaningless runs in the bottom of the 9th. Orland Arcia, Adam Duvall, and Austin Riley all homered in the victory. Riley now leads the Braves with 26 home runs and 60 RBI, placing him in the top 10 in MLB. The Braves are now 32-10 since June 1, 3.5 games better than any other team. Heading into Saturday's action, the Braves trailed the Mets by two games and have the best record of any second-place team in MLB.
.@austinriley1308 is headed to Hollywood! ?? pic.twitter.com/ayOMKTiOXH
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 16, 2022
Rookie Spencer Strider (4-2, 2.56 ERA) will start on Sunday. He has struck out 111 batters in just 72 2/3 innings this season. He also has a 2.01 ERA in nine road appearances and is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in two games against Washington. The Braves are 14th with +12 defensive runs saved this season, and their bullpen is fourth with a 3.10 ERA.