Stephen Strasburg has not had the season the Washington Nationals had been hoping for, but his last innings out made him look like he had returned to form. Posting his first career shut out in his last start, Strasburg hopes to build off that momentum and end the Nationals' six-game losing streak against the Atlanta Braves.
It might be a hard task to complete since the Braves have one of the hottest offenses in the league. Washington appeared poised to get the victory on Friday night until Justin Upton hit a walk-off home run in the 10th inning as the Braves won their 18th game in the last 20. Upton has struggled against Strasburg in the past, going 3 for 15 with five strikeouts in his career.
Other Braves players have not faired well either against the star pitcher. Freddie Freeman is the best having gone 4 for 6 with one home run off the pitcher. Chirs Johnson, B.J. Upton and Jason Heyward and are a combined 1 for 24.
The Braves might be able to capitalize off Strasburg's trouble this season. While the Nationals' pitcher has a 2.37 ERA in five starts since the All-Star break, he only has one win. He has a 2.14 ERA against the Braves this season, but is still winless against the team. As a whole, Washington is 3-11 against the Braves this season.
Mike Minor will take the mound for the Braves. He is 12-5 with a 2.87 ERA this season. In his last seven starts, Minor is 4-1 with a 2.23 ERA. He has only allowed one home run in the month of July. Minor has been an excellent addition to the Braves lineup since losing both Tim Hudson and Paul Maholm.
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