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Washington Nationals vs. Braves Series Preview (9/5-9/7)

By Ricky Keeler

Aug 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte (11) hits a two RBI single as San Diego Padres catcher Derek Norris (3) is shown on the play in the sixth inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte (11) hits a two RBI single as San Diego Padres catcher Derek Norris (3) is shown on the play in the sixth inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
Aug 30, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Ryan Weber (1-0, 5.24 ERA) vs. Max Scherzer (15-7, 2.89) – 4:05 p.m ET, broadcast on MASN2

This start was originally going to go to Matt Wisler for the Braves. However, due to Wisler having a sore side, it will be Weber who gets the start today. The 26-year-old right-hander has made 12 appearances as a reliever this season, but this will be just the sixth start of his career.

While Weber had a 1.64 ERA in six appearances in August, opposing hitters had a .318 batting average against him. In two appearances against the Washington Nationals this season, he has given up two runs on nine hits in 4.2 innings, but eight of those hits came in one game (August 21). Chris Heisey and Clint Robinson each have a home run against him in their careers.

On Saturday, Dusty Baker decided to give Scherzer an extra day rest instead of pitching him Sunday night against the Mets. He hasn’t pitched since August 30 against the Phillies when he went eight innings, gave up two runs on three hits, struck out 11, and walked one in a win.

Scherzer has had 12 double-digit strikeout games this season and he has four of them in his last seven starts. In nine starts since the All-Star Break, the right-hander is 5-1 with a 2.60 ERA and has held opponents to a .170 batting average.

This season, Scherzer is 2-0 in three starts against Atlanta, but he has a 4.66 ERA (second highest against any team in the NL East). Adonis Garcia is 3-for-8 against Scherzer with a home run and three RBI’s.

Prediction: Although Scherzer has a high ERA against Atlanta this season, the offense has scored 21 runs in those three games. With a pitcher on the mound in Weber who hasn’t made a start this season, I like Scherzer to pick up his 16th win of the season this afternoon.

 

Next: Tomorrow's Matchup

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