It’s overcast but dry here on South Capitol Street. It doesn’t appear that will be the case Saturday. Or possibly Sunday, either. In other words, the Nationals and Braves sure better get tonight’s game in.
Patrick Corbin will try to hold Atlanta’s potent lineup in check, no small task. The left-hander has been better of late, with back-to-back quality starts against the Pirates and Brewers that brought his ERA down to an even 5.00. This is a much stiffer challenge, though. Corbin faced the Braves once this season, way back on Opening Day. And though he was only charged with two earned runs, he allowed four runs total and needed 85 pitches to complete three innings. That won’t get it done tonight.
Charlie Morton is on the mound for the Braves, and though he’s been good overall in his age-39 season (3.66 ERA, 182 strikeouts in 162 1/3 innings), he was hit around by both the Marlins and Phillies his last two starts.
If you missed the news earlier, Sean Doolittle announced his retirement today. The popular reliever will be here at Nationals Park for a pregame press conference and will be recognized on the field before the game. If you’ve got tickets, you’ll want to be in your seats by 6:40 p.m., according to the team.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. ATLANTA BRAVES
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, MLB.com
Weather: Rain approaching, 69 degrees, wind 13 mph in from center field
NATIONALS
SS CJ Abrams
RF Lane Thomas
DH Joey Meneses
1B Dominic Smith
C Keibert Ruiz
2B Luis García
3B Ildemaro Vargas
LF Jake Alu
CF Jacob Young
LHP Patrick Corbin
BRAVES
RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
2B Ozzie Albies
3B Austin Riley
1B Matt Olson
DH Marcell Ozuna
SS Orlando Arcia
CF Michael Harris II
C Sean Murphy
LF Kevin Pillar
RHP Charlie Morton