Game 53: Nats at Braves

The Nationals look to bounce back from back-to-back, 1-run losses, with a bullpen that's probably depleted from recent usage

ATLANTA – It’s been a frustrating 48 hours for the Nationals, who have lost back-to-back, one-run games against division opponents. And Friday night’s 5-4, 11-inning loss to the Braves was especially frustrating because of the way CJ Abrams rallied them to take the lead in the 10th before the bullpen took the loss.

But it’s a new day, and the fact the Nats have been so competitive against one of the best teams in baseball should bring some solace to the situation. Now, can they bounce back this afternoon on what is another on-and-off rainy day here in Unincorporated Atlanta?

They’re probably going to need some length from Jake Irvin, because Blake Butera used seven pitchers Friday night and held bulk guy Miles Mikolas to five (scoreless) innings and 66 pitches. Brad Lord is probably the long man today if Irvin struggles, but Andrew Alvarez (56 pitches Wednesday) is probably unavailable, as are Clayton Beeter (37 pitches over the last two days), Orlando Ribalta (47 pitches over the last two days) and Mitchell Parker (31 pitches Friday). That leaves Lord, Gus Varland, Richard Lovelady and Paxton Schultz as Butera’s bullpen options today.

The Nats would love to get some more offense to support that pitching staff, especially with runners in scoring position (where they’re 1-for-21 during these back-to-back losses). They’ll be going up against Atlanta right-hander Grant Holmes, who dominated them one year ago to the tune of one run and four hits over 6 1/3 innings. The one run? A James Wood opposite-field homer.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at ATLANTA BRAVES
Where: Truist Park
Gametime: 4:10 p.m. EDT
TV: Nationals TV (channel listings)
Radio: 106.7 FM
Weather: Periodic rain, 75 degrees, wind 6 mph in from center

NATIONALS
RF James Wood
1B Luis García Jr.
DH José Tena
SS CJ Abrams
CF Dylan Crews
LF Daylen Lile
2B Nasim Nuñez
3B Jorbit Vivas
C Keibert Ruiz

RHP Jake Irvin

BRAVES
RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
CF Michael Harris II
1B Matt Olson
2B Ozzie Albies
DH Dominic Smith
3B Austin Riley
SS Mauricio Dubón
LF Mike Yastrzemski
C Chadwick Tromp

RHP Grant Holmes