A shaky first-inning from John Lannan put the Washington Nationals into an early hole against the Atlanta Braves and the Nats have so far not been able to muster enough offense to counter. However, the Nationals have kept the game close in the seventh-inning trailing the Braves 2-1.
In the first-inning Lannan gave up a two RBI double to Brian McCann which scored Martin Prado and Chipper Jones to put the Nationals down to start the game. Lannan has recovered since and has not allowed a run to come in. Washington's lone run came in the second-inning when outfielder Laynce Nix was able to knock in catcher Wilson Ramos after Ramos doubled. Nix is starting in outfield for the seventh straight time. The bulky, power hitting outfielder has been holding down the position ever since Michael Morse complained of a sore right knee.
The Nationals are looking for more offense as Wednesday night's game enters later innings.