Nationals game blog: Zimmermann aims to finish strong

By Josh Land

Nationals

September 30, 2015, 1:57pm

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When right-hander Jordan Zimmermann takes the hill tonight, it might be for the last time in his Nationals career. Zimmermann, whose contract expires at the season, is the Nats' all-time leader with 70 wins.

Zimmermann's 2.52 ERA in 15 career starts against the Braves is his best against any National League opponent. In five starts versus the Braves this year, Zimmermann has gone 3-0, allowing just seven earned runs over 34 2/3 innings (1.82 ERA).

clint robinson swing.jpg Expect Clint Robinson to start at first base for the remaining five games with Ryan Zimmerman not returning from a strained left oblique. Robinson has been one the Nationals' most pleasant surprises in his first year with the club. The 30-year-old rookie is slashing .266/.357/.407 with eight homers and 32 RBIs.

Trea Turner makes his fourth start of the season at second base tonight. The 22-year-old rookie launched a towering solo shot to left in last night's 2-1 loss for his first major league homer. After going 2-for-3 with a walk, Turner raised his season average to .292 through the first 23 games of his young career.

The Nationals have a 13-4 record against the Braves this season. The two teams are even in the lifetime series at 100-100.