The Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves enter a rivalry three-game series after both teams completed sweeps over the weekend. The Braves got the best of the New York Mets while the Nationals took three from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pitching was on display in each of the series, something both teams hopes carry on during the week as they prepare to face off in the nation's capital.
While both teams have some momentum, the Nationals are playing like the better team at the moment. They are fresh off three games where they combined to give up just three runs and 14 hits. Max Scherzer got a nice no-hitter while Joe Ross and Gio Gonzalez also impressed. Now it is Stephen Strasburg's turn to keep up the moment, but he has been struggling since returning to the field. The pitcher was sidelined with a left trapezius muscle and has not looked very dominant. He has recorded just one quality start in his last 10 appearances. He has failed to pitch past four innings in his past four of five starts before hitting the disabled list. Strasburg has simply not looked healthy and the Nationals need him to start getting back on track.
If Strasburg struggles, he might be able to rely on the offense to pick him up. Washington brought in 19 runs over the weekend thanks to Bryce Harper hitting his 24th home run while batting .404 with six homers in his last 13 games. Against Atlanta, Harper is 10 for 20 with nine RBI in his last five games against the rival team. He will face Alex Wood on the mound, a pitcher he is 7 for 14 against.
Wood is picking up the momentum gained over the weekend. While the Braves did not score an abundance of runs against the Mets, they gave up just five runs and 18 hits thanks to solid pitching. Andrelton Simmons and Jace Peterson picked up the slack as Freddie Freeman was officially placed on the disabled list. Wood currently winless in his last three starts while getting very little run support. He is 3-1 with a 1.49 ERA in six previous starts against Washington.
