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The Braves finally notched a "W" against the Nationals this year and snapped a six-game losing streak against them. The win was their only one in an abbreviated two-game series in Washington. As of this write-up, there still hasn't been any news on whether or not Friday's rainout will made up later in the season. August has been tossed around a lot, but that series is in the middle of a stretch where the Braves play 20 games in 20 days. They also play a series in Washington the weekend of July 20 which, to me, would be the more sensible choice since there's an off day the following Thursday.
Brandon Beachy can't seem to catch a break lately. Since his complete-game shutout, he's lost three starts in a row, but he's also walked four in each of his last two starts. He's also received very little run support in those outings, but what does one expect when you oppose two of the better pitchers in the NL in Strasburg and Gonzalez? Despite his recent troubles, Beachy still leads all pitchers with a 1.87 ERA.
When Tommy Hanson earned the win Sunday, it was his first win against the Nationals since September 26, 2009. The win evened his record against Washington to 3-3.
Bryce Harper hit yet another home run against the Braves on Sunday. His last three home runs have been hit off Braves pitching and he is now hitting .500 against them. At least he was thrown out on the bases...TWICE. First by Jose Constanza on Saturday and again on Sunday by...
Andrelton Simmons, who made his major-league debut Saturday, but collected his first major-league hit Sunday off Gio Gonzalez. From what I saw, he's definitely a defensive upgrade over Pastornicky.
While catching during the seventh inning Saturday, Brian McCann took a fastball off his left knee that caused him to leave the game. He didn't play Sunday, but according to Dave O'Brien, he's hoping to return to action Tuesday.
Washington activated Michael Morse off the DL, but was a non-factor in the two games as were Zimmerman and LaRoche. Combined, the 3-4-5 hitters were 0-for-23 in the two games. Stephen Strasburg, however, was a definite factor. After allowing 11 runs in his first three starts against the Braves, he tossed seven scoreless innings and struck out nine.
NEXT UP
The Braves are off Monday (Yay! Can't lose on an off day!), and will get their first look at Miami's new ballpark and home run monstrosity starting Tuesday.
