Braves at Nationals
The 1-2 combination of Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg is a big reason why the Washington Nationals are the overwhelming favorites to win another National League East title. After Scherzer stifled Atlanta with a complete-game shutout in the series opener, Strasburg aims for his 11th career victory against the Braves when the Nationals host the middle contest of a three-game set Tuesday night.
The Braves, who scored 21 runs in taking two of three contests from the Nationals last week and entered Monday leading the majors in runs scored, generated only two hits in losing for the second time in six games. Right fielder Nick Markakis did extend his hitting streak to six games with a fifth-inning single and is batting .375 in that span for Atlanta. Washington leads the majors with 15 stolen bases, getting one from - of all people - Scherzer in the seventh inning Monday. Right fielder Bryce Harper, who started the week leading the majors with six homers, walked three times Monday and top the majors with 16 bases on balls - three ahead of Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), MASN (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (1-0, 2.61 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (1-1, 3.65)
Foltynewicz has authored solid back-to-back outings to begin his season, including a victory over the Nationals on Wednesday in which he struck out eight and allowed only one run over 5 1/3 innings. He started his season with a no-decision against Philadelphia on March 30, striking out seven in five innings while surrendering two earned runs. The 26-year-old struggled last season against the Nationals, going 1-2 with a 6.64 ERA, and has a 3-2 mark with a 5.06 ERA in seven career starts against Washington.
Strasburg looks to rebound after losing in his second start of the season, giving up four runs on five hits (including two homers) in six innings Thursday against the New York Mets. The 29-year-old struck out seven in 6 1/3 innings to beat Cincinnati in his season debut, and has walked only three hitters while striking out 13 in 12 1/3 frames in 2018. He makes his 28th career start against Atlanta, carrying a 4.06 ERA lifetime against the Braves after going 2-1 with a 5.16 ERA a season ago.
WALK-OFFS
1. Scherzer came through in a big way for the Nationals on Monday, considering Washington’s bullpen had allowed seven earned runs with five walks in 13 2/3 innings in the previous three games.
2. Atlanta, which at 6-4 is off to its best start since 2015 (7-3), has surrendered just nine runs in its past five games and has a staff ERA of 3.14 overall this season.
3. Washington OF Adam Eaton, who is hampered by a left ankle injury, did not play Monday after going 0-for-6 in Sunday’s loss to the Mets.