When things come together for the Washington Nationals, they become more than a formidable foe. Tim Hudson and the Atlanta Braves learned that the hard way Tuesday night when the Nationals offense went all in and gave full support to pitcher Jason Marquis to help him earn the 100th win of his career in a 7-6 Washington victory. On Wednesday, the Nats have the Braves' backs to the wall and look to take an early series victory by winning game two of the three-game series.
The Nats are hoping they get equally effective pitching, hitting and defense as they got on Tuesday. Left-hander John Lannan (2-4, 5.09 ERA) takes the mound to keep the Nationals winning and to get his own personal performance back on track after a rough start in Philadelphia on May 5. Lannan lasted only two innings, giving up six runs on seven hits. However, Lannan has had success in Atlanta. He is 4-2 and holds a 3.60 ERA when pitching at Turner Field. If the Nationals can win, it will be the second series victory in a row against an NL East rival.
Lannan's opposition will be Tommy Hanson (4-3, 2.63 ERA) who is coming off three consecutive strong starts.
NATIONALS LINEUP
Roger Bernadina - CF
Ian Desmond - SS
Jayson Werth - RF
Adam LaRoche - 1B
Wilson Ramos - C
Laynce Nix - LF
Danny Espinosa - 2B
Jerry Hairston Jr. - 3B
John Lannan - SP