Fedde focuses on pitch efficiency (Nats lose 11-8)

Right-hander Erick Fedde embarks on his first career start against the Braves tonight. On July 24, Fedde went four innings, allowing one run on three hits with two strikeouts and two walks in the Nats' 3-2 win over the Rockies. He had to throw 79 pitches. In his previous start at Baltimore, the Nats monitored his pitch count and Fedde did well: 66 pitches over six innings. Tonight marks his ninth start of the season.

"He's pitched well," said Nationals manager Davey Martinez. "I like to see him go deeper in a game, get his pitch count down. The biggest thing is his pitch count. He's always hovering around that 85, 90 pitch count in four innings. I like to see him get early, quick outs. But he's done fine. I asked him again 'Just make your pitches and keep us in the ballgame.'"

Fedde is a candidate for the fifth starter position. Unfortunately, with Max Scherzer and Austin Voth on the injured list, Fedde is now slotted in as the fourth starter.

"Before Voth got hurt, we got Voth, Joe (Ross), Fedde," Martinez said. "One of those guys has to step up. The fifth starter job is there. It's in front of them. We believe in those guys. They wouldn't be here if we didn't. One of those guys is going to have to come up and earn that fifth spot, and until they do then they're all getting opportunities to do it. Today is Fedde's turn and hopefully he goes out there and gives us six, seven strong innings and pitches well."

Martinez has talked to Fedde about better pitch efficiency and how he doesn't have to always just go for the strikeout, reminding the righty that weak contact can be just as good to getting out of an inning.

"When I saw his last outing, he was ahead a lot, 0-2, 1-2, and then fell back," Martinez said. "He goes to 2-2, 3-2 a lot. So, I like for him (to work on) finishing guys off in four pitches or less. As a hitter, when you get to two strikes you have to start thinking about a lot of different options.

"You don't have to get the guy to swing at pitches this far outside. Just go ahead and attack the hitter. Don't look for a strike. But if he puts the ball in play with two strikes, it might not be hard. So, let your defense play and try to get outs with four pitches or less."

* Gerardo Parra has taken more ground balls at first base during batting practice. This might become a necessity because Ryan Zimmerman and Matt Adams are nursing injuries. Howie Kendrick is at first base tonight. Parra has played 35 games at first base in his career.

"Parra is a good athlete," Martinez said. "The thing is the transition and making sure he takes his ground balls and gets his work over there. (But you) can't just go over there and decide, there's a lot of stuff that goes on with footwork around the bases.

"But he works over there," the skipper said of Parra. "When we first got him we told him, 'Hey you took a bunch of work over there.' We told him today, 'You might want to get some ground balls again, get reacquainted again over there. You haven't played there in a while. But you might have to play there.'"

Update: Fedde got himself in a bit of trouble in the top of the second inning and the Braves were able to capitalize. With one out, Ender Inciarte singled and stole second base. Johan Camargo was walked. Julio Teheran laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners into scoring position.

With Ronald Acuña Jr. batting, Fedde uncorked a wild pitch and was slow to get to home plate. Catcher Yan Gomes retrieved the ball but had to wait for Fedde to get in position. He underhanded the ball to Fedde, but the tag was late as Acuña slid headfirst into home plate.

Mid-second, the Braves lead the Nats 1-0.

Update II: In the top of the third, Ozzie Albies doubled to the right-center field gap. Freddie Freeman delivered an RBI single to make it 2-0. Brian McCann singled home Freeman to add to the lead. Inciarte later drilled a two-run triple.

Mid-third, the Braves lead the Nats 5-0.

Update III: Fedde was chased in the top of the fourth when he surrendered a three-run homer to Josh Donaldson and a solo shot to Adam Duvall. Fedde allowed nine runs on nine hits over 3 2/3 innings with four walks, one wild pitch and four strikeouts. He threw 93 pitches, 55 for strikes.

Braves starter JulioTeheran has held the Nats to two hits over four innings.

After four innings, the Braves lead the Nats 9-0.

Update IV: The Nats finally got to Teheran with singles in the sixth from Anthony Rendon, Kendrick and Brian Dozier. Dozier's single plated Rendon with the Nats' first run of the game.

After six innings, the Braves lead the Nats 9-1.

Update V: The Braves added two runs on four hits in the seventh inning, highlighted by another homer from Duvall and an RBI single by Teheran.

Mid-seventh, the Braves lead the Nats 11-1.

Update VI: Trea Turner hit a solo homer in the bottom of the seventh.

After seven innings, the Braves lead the Nats 11-2.

Update VII: Yan Gomes launched a three-run shot in the eighth off of Anthony Swarzak.

After eight innings, the Braves lead the Nats 11-5.

Update VIII: In the bottom of the ninth, Juan Soto hit a two-run shot and Dozier added a run-scoring single.

Final score: the Braves 11, the Nats 8.