Nationals 5 - 2 Braves
Final
  for this game

Hanson, Lannan set for duel at Turner Field

Jul 16, 2011 - 3:06 PM (Sports Network) - Tommy Hanson hasn't lost in his last six appearances. John Lannan is unbeaten in his last four starts against the Braves.

Those two hurlers face each other tonight when Washington continues a three- game series versus Atlanta at Turner Field.

Hanson had won five consecutive outings until his most recent start, at Philadelphia July 9 when he didn't get a decision over seven innings. The righty has allowed one run or less in four of his last five games and is 2-2 with a 2.94 ERA in eight games against the Nationals.

Lannan is 3-0 with a 2.82 ERA in four starts against the Braves since the beginning of the 2010 season. The lefty, who is 6-4 in 12 games against them in his career, is 0-1 over his last three starts overall. Lannan lasted just 3 1/3 innings in his most recent appearance, July 8 against Colorado. Lannan was knocked out of the game after taking a line drive to the face.

Last night, Tim Hudson's superb all-around effort propelled the Atlanta Braves to an 11-1 victory in the series opener. A night after celebrating his 36th birthday, Hudson (9-6) helped the Braves to their 10,000th win in club history, allowing just one run on seven hits over seven frames.

He retired 12 consecutive batters at one point and fanned seven, while going 2-for-3 at the plate with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Hudson also moved to 12-3 lifetime against Washington.

Martin Prado returned from the disabled list to belt a home run and knock in two runs, while Freddie Freeman added three RBI for the Braves, who won for the sixth time in eight games and are 3 1/2 games behind Philadelphia for the NL East lead.

"I was glad that I came back to play," said Prado, who was out with a staph infection in his right calf. "I was so sad that I couldn't do anything to help the team win. I worked real hard to get back sooner and faster. Just having a nice first game gives me a lot of confidence to keep doing what I'm doing."

Livan Hernandez (5-9) was roughed up for six runs -- three earned -- on eight hits in just four innings.

The Nationals, who have dropped four of five, committed five errors in the contest.

"I don't think finishing .500 is what we're looking for," said Ian Desmond. "Our offense wasn't really there in the first half and we look forward to getting it going in the second half."

Atlanta leads the season series, 4-3.






Related News