MLB Game Preview - Atlanta at Washington
Wed Jul 31, 2019 12:05 PM EDT

ATL
5
WSH
4
F(10)
PIT
1
CIN
4
F
ARI
5
NYY
7
F
TOR
4
KC
1
F
LAD
5
COL
1
F
DET
9
LAA
1
F
SF
5
PHI
1
F
MIN
7
MIA
4
F
TB
8
BOS
5
F
HOU
4
CLE
10
F
SEA
7
TEX
9
F
NYM
4
CHW
2
F
CHC
2
STL
0
F
MIL
4
OAK
2
F
Braves' Soroka goes for series win vs. Nationals
Wed Jul 31, 2019 2:55 AM

The Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals will each host a series against the other in September.

But until then the two National League East contenders will meet for the last time for more than a month when the Nationals host the Braves for a day game Wednesday.

"We have an early start tomorrow," Washington manager Dave Martinez told reporters late Tuesday, after his team's rally from an 11-1 deficit fell short in an 11-8 loss.

In the finale of the three-game series, Atlanta will start Mike Soroka (10-2, 2.44 ERA) against the Nats' Anibal Sanchez (6-6, 3.63) in a battle of right-handers.

Soroka is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in two starts this season against the Nationals. He started in Washington one June 23 and went just two innings after he was hit by a pitch while batting in the top of the third.

"It was an easy decision. He got hit pretty good," Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters following Atlanta's 4-3 victory in 10 innings about lifting Soroka.

In his last start, Soroka gave up one run on eights in 4 2/3 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies last Friday but left with the bases loaded and a 5-1 lead. Sean Newcomb got the win as he got out of the fifth inning.

"I understood completely," Soroka told reporters about leaving the game. "I threw 37 pitches in the inning. I had full confidence in (the bullpen)."

Sanchez, who pitched for Atlanta last season, is 7-11 with ERA of 4.81 in 21 career starts against the Braves.

His two former catchers on the Braves have hit well against Sanchez. Brian McCann is 13-for-41 with three homers while Tyler Flowers is four-for-12 with two homers.

Freddie Freeman, the Atlanta first baseman, continues to torment the Nationals. He had three hits Monday and one more on Tuesday. Freeman is hitting .327 in his career against the Nationals in 145 games. He has 18 homers and 93 RBI in his career against Washington.

Ozzie Albies, the Atlanta second baseman, is also a thorn in the side of the Nationals. He had three hits on Tuesday in the win over Washington while Adam Duvall had four hits, including two homers.

The Nationals will try to win the series Wednesday and gain a game on the Braves in the NL East race.

Washington batters are 10-for-31 (.323) against Soroka with one homer. Adam Easton and Juan Soto, a pair of lefty hitters, are 2-for-4 against the All-Star rookie while Matt Adams is 1-for-4 with a homer.

The Nationals have been playing at less than full strength as first baseman Adams missed the game Monday after he was hit on the foot with a pitch Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Washington manager Dave Martinez told reporters Tuesday that Adams most likely was not available to pinch-hit Monday.

"He is doing better," Martinez said of Adams on Tuesday. "We don't want to push it. He is feeling better than last night. He was pretty sure yesterday."

Howie Kendrick made the start at first base again Tuesday for the Nationals.

The trade deadline ends Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST and both teams have been linked to deals.

"Our veteran guys understand what transpires this time of year," Martinez said. "We will know tomorrow."

--Field Level Media

Team Record Comparison

Team Standings GB W-L Aw/Hm Stk L10
Atlanta            
Washington            

Scheduled Starting Pitchers

Mike Soroka - CHW
Matchup
Season
vs. Opp Has not pitched vs. Washington
Anibal Sanchez - (N/A)
Matchup
Season
vs. Opp Has not pitched vs. Atlanta

Hot Batters (Last 10 team games)

Injury Report

--%>