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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 31, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez (47) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Williams Perez (2-2, 4.62) vs. Gio Gonzalez (10-9, 4.14) – 7:05 p.m, MASN2

Tomorrow night’s start for Perez will be his first in the Major Leagues since June 6. Perez has been out since that start because of a rotator cuff strain. His last rehab outing took place on September 1 for triple-A Gwinnett. He threw five hitless innings and struck out seven on 66 pitches.

Last season, Perez appeared in 23 games (20 starts for the Braves and went 7-6 with a 4.78 ERA to go with one save. The 25-year-old right-hander ended that season on a bad note as he had a 6.21 ERA over his final 12 starts with opponents hitting .323.

In two career appearances against the Nats, Perez is 1-0 with a 5.68 ERA (both appearances came last season). Daniel Murphy is 3-for-6 with two doubles and a solo home run in his career against Perez.

As for Gonzalez, he extended his unbeaten streak to six starts in his last outing against the Phillies on August 31. He went six innings, gave up one run on two hits, struck out four, and walked one to pick up his tenth win of the year.

August was a kind month to the Washington Nationals left-handed starter. Gonzalez went 4-0 with a 3.58 ERA in six starts. His .208 batting average against was the second lowest he’s had in any month this season (.196 in April). Plus, he has given up six runs in his last three starts.

Gonzalez will be looking for his first win against the Braves this season (0-0, 2.31 ERA in two starts). With that being said, Gonzalez has not lost against Atlanta since 2014 (four starts). Freddie Freeman is 9-for-31 (.290) against Gonzalez with two home runs and ten RBI’s.

Prediction: Gonzalez did struggle with his command when he walked three batters against the Braves on August 21. But, he has only more than three walks twice in his last ten games. With Perez not pitching in a Major League game in three months, you don’t know what to expect here. If the Nats are going to lose any game in this series, I think it’s this one with the roll Atlanta is on right now.

Next: Wednesday's Matchup

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