Atlanta @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 22, 2012 ) Atlanta 2, Washington 9

Tim Hudson’s last loss came July 1 against the Washington Nationals. Hudson attempts to avenge that defeat and cut into the Nationals’ five-game lead in the National League East when the visiting Atlanta Braves open a pivotal three-game series in Washington. Hudson has won six consecutive decisions. The Nationals have the best record in baseball and have taken 12 of their last 15 games. Washington is 8-4 against the Braves this season.

The Nationals counter with Jordan Zimmermann, who leads the majors with a 2.38 ERA. Zimmermann has allowed two or fewer runs in 18 of his 24 starts. Washington just won two of three against the New York Mets, with Bryce Harper and Danny Espinosa clubbing homers in Sunday’s victory. Atlanta leads the NL wild-card race and has won 18 of its last 25, but enters on the heels of back-to-back losses to the Los Angeles Dodgers. After this series, the teams meet just once more – Sept. 14-16 in Atlanta.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sports South (Atlanta), Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Tim Hudson (12-4, 3.59 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jordan Zimmermann (9-7, 2.38)

Hudson allowed just two hits in 6 1/3 shutout innings while beating the San Diego Padres. He is 5-1 with a 3.06 ERA in eight road starts. Hudson is 0-2 with an 8.53 ERA in two starts against Washington this season. Overall, he’s 14-5 with a 2.53 ERA in 25 career starts against the Nationals.

Zimmermann had won six straight decisions before losing his last start. He gave up two runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings against the San Francisco Giants for his first loss since June 22. Even with the outcome, Zimmermann is 4-1 with a 1.77 ERA in seven starts since the All-Star break. He is 2-1 with a 3.09 ERA in four career starts against the Braves.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington 1B Adam LaRoche is batting just .169 with one homer in 45 games against the Braves, for whom he played in 2004-06.

2. Atlanta C Brian McCann (shoulder) returned Sunday from a two-game absence and went 0-for-3 to drop his August average to .103 in 39 at-bats.

3. Nationals OF Jayson Werth is batting .364 with three homers and 11 RBIs in 33 at-bats against Hudson.