Turner Field | 7:35 PM ET
Joel Hanrahan, RHP (4-2, 5.14)
Nationals (62-77) @
John Smoltz, RHP (12-7, 3.09)
Braves (71-69)
Scouting Report:
Nationals: Hanrahan rebounded from his last outing against the Rockies and gave up one run on one hit against the Giants on Saturday. He walked only one in the game. The one hit came in the fifth inning when Pedro Feliz hit a home run. Hanrahan scored points by showing manager Manny Acta that he can comeback from a rough outing and throw strikes consistently.
Braves: Smoltz lost to former Atlanta teammate Tom Glavine on Sunday, falling to his good friend for the first time in his career. Smoltz's line -- three runs allowed in seven innings -- was one that's usually good enough to win, but Glavine was a hair better. Smoltz lost his first start in August but rebounded to win his final two decisions of the month. He'll be looking for similar results in September, and so will the Braves, who are on the fringe of contention.
The Braves have to take advantage of this next series. They are playing a sub .500 team and needs to make a sweep.
