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Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves Series Preview (4/11-4/14)

By Ricky Keeler

Apr 6, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) dives back to first base on a pick off attempt by Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) in the fourth inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) dives back to first base on a pick off attempt by Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) in the fourth inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) throws the first pitch of the season against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) throws the first pitch of the season against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Julio Teheran (0-1, 5.40) vs. Tanner Roark (0-1, 6.75) – 4:05 p.m ET, MASN

After some strong success on Opening Day against the Nats, Teheran had some struggles on Saturday against St. Louis. In his second start of the season, the 25-year-old right-hander went just four innings, gave up five runs (four earned) on six hits, struck out four, and walked four on 89 pitches in what ended up being a 12-2 loss.

When you think back to that Opening Day start against Scherzer, the only two mistakes Teheran made were the two home runs he gave up to Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy. Otherwise, he had a strong outing as he went six innings, gave up two runs on five hits, and struck out four in a no-decision.

The early problem for Teheran has been his seven walks in two games. His 73 walks last season were the fourth most in the National League. Harper is now 11-for-25 (.440) with three doubles, four home runs, and six RBI’s against him.

Roark’s first start this season was interrupted in between the second and third inning due to about a 90 minute rain delay. In that outing against the Marlins on Thursday, Roark only went four innings, gave up four runs (three earned) on nine hits, struck out three, and walked three on 99 pitches (60 strikes).

The Marlins did not get an extra-base hit against him, but they found a way to get the key hits in the first inning when they put three runs on the board. He came back out after that delay but gave up another two-out RBI single, which put Miami ahead 4-3.

Next: District Daily: Bonds Discusses Harper

In 12 games (seven starts) against the Braves, Roark is 3-1 with a 2.01 ERA. He was 2-0 with a 2.63 in four starts back in 2014. Pierzynski is 6-for-7 against him with two home runs and five RBI’s.

Prediction: The Braves enter this series winless, but I think they find a way to get the win in this game. I was impressed by Teheran on Opening Day despite giving up the two home runs. Right now, I think he has a similar outing and gives Atlanta their first win of the season, but the Nationals take three out of four in the series.

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