Nationals vs. Braves Game Thread: September 16

The Atlanta Braves scored 22 runs during a three-game series against the New York Mets... and lost two of the three games. Fortunately, the team was blessed with an off day on Thursday in preparation for the weekend, and the Washington Nationals are in town.

Max Scherzer, who is a legitimate Cy Young candidate in the National League, will take the ball for the visitors in the series opener and that does bring a level of trepidation. In opposition, Atlanta's John Gant will be on the hill and, needless to say, that is a pitching disadvantage. Still, the offense has been much improved for the Braves in the recent past and there is at least some reason to believe the bats will be competitive, even against a top-flight hurler like Scherzer.

Here are tonight's lineups, and let's do this together.

Note: Freddie Freeman remains out of the lineup following the birth of his son. Blake Lalli will make his first start in a Braves uniform at first base.