Game 76 lineups: Nats vs. Braves

The Nationals arrive for Saturday night's matchup at Nats Park against the first-place Braves with an opportunity to win their second straight series over Atlanta.

Just as important with a victory tonight the Nats can return to the .500 mark for the first time since April 23 (11-11).

Washington went to 2-0 in late May at SunTrust Park. Counting tonight, the Nats still have 16 regular season games left against the Braves.

Following Friday night's 4-3 victory, the Nats have now won a season-high five straight games. Right-hander Stephen Strasburg (8-4) notched the win, crediting the bullpen's bounce back recently as a big reason the club is enjoying success again, 18-7 in their last 25 games.

"I think it's getting into a routine and I think it just shows the mental toughness because the way everything started its easy to kind of doubt yourself but they haven't doubted themselves one bit," Strasburg said. "Now the ball is starting to bounce their way a little but more and they're just going out there making good pitches."

Strasburg has allowed three earned runs or less in 10 of 16 starts this season. He lasted at last six innings in each of those games.

Victor Robles has hit safely in six straight games, going 7-for-19 (.368) in that span with a triple, two home runs, six RBIs, two HBPs, one walk and two runs scored. Brian Dozier is hitting .321 (17-for-53) in 16 games this month with five doubles, five homers, 12 RBIs, four walks and 13 runs scored. Also in June, Anthony Rendon is batting .309 (21-for-68) with two doubles, seven homers, 18 RBIs, seven walks and 13 runs scored.

Tonight, Former Braves starter Aníbal Sánchez (3-6, 3.84 ERA) seeks his second straight outstanding start against Atlanta. He defeated the Braves 5-4 May 28 behind six shutout innings, allowing one hit, one walk and striking out seven. Right-hander Mike Foltynewicz (2-5, 5.53) counters for the Braves.

ATLANTA BRAVES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:15 p.m. EDT
TV: FOX, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, MLB.com
Weather: Sunny, 80 degrees, wind 9 mph towards left field

NATIONALS (37-38)

SS Trea Turner
RF Adam Eaton
3B Anthony Rendon
LF Juan Soto
1B Matt Adams
C Kurt Suzuki
2B Brian Dozier
CF Victor Robles
RHP Aníbal Sánchez

BRAVES (44-32)

CF Ronald Acuña Jr.
SS Dansby Swanson
1B Freddie Freeman
3B Josh Donaldson
RF Nick Markakis
LF Austin Riley
2B Ozzie Albies
C Tyler Flowers
RHP Mike Foltynewicz