Washington @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 30, 2012 ) Washington 5, Atlanta 7

As July dawns, Atlanta and Washington play the rubber game of a weekend set at steamy Turner Field with a two-game swing in the National League East standings at stake. A victory by division-leader Washington would put the Braves 4½ games out, while an Atlanta victory would bring the Braves within 2½ games. The Nationals held the pitching advantage entering Saturday’s game, but ace Stephen Strasburg lasted only three innings in the Georgia heat as the Braves prevailed 7-5.

Atlanta navigated a brutal June schedule at 13-12. Tim Hudson starts for the Braves in the series finale looking to extend his recent solid work. Washington counters with Gio Gonzalez, who looks to become baseball’s fourth 11-game winner and further cement his status as an All-Star in his first season in the NL. The Nationals lead the season series with Atlanta 5-2.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, MASN, WDCW DC-50 (Washington), FS South (Atlanta).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Washington LH Gio Gonzalez (10-3, 2.78 ERA) vs. Atlanta RH Tim Hudson (6-3, 3.58)

Gonzalez continues to take the NL by storm. The left-hander is tied for second in the senior circuit in victories and fourth in strikeouts (108). Gonzalez held Colorado to eight hits and four runs in six innings at Coors Field on Tuesday. Hudson has won his past two starts and is one of the lynchpins to Atlanta’s shaky rotation. The right-hander allowed seven hits but only one run in eight innings Tuesday against Arizona. Hudson has won three of his past four starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta right fielder Jason Heyward finished June as a strong candidate for Player of the Month honors. Heyward hit 31-for-89 (.348) with six homers and 15 RBIs.

2. Hudson is 14-4 lifetime against Washington.

3. Gonzalez beat the Braves on May 27, striking out 10. Atlanta beat the left-hander June 3, scoring three earned runs in 4 2/3 innings.