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Nats rely on Zimmermann against Braves

Jun 30, 2015 - 12:02 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - Jordan Zimmermann did everything right his last time out against Atlanta except win. He'll hope to change that on Tuesday when the Washington Nationals open a three-game series with the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field.

Zimmermann scattered six hits to the Braves on Wednesday over eight scoreless innings, but did not factor in the decision of his team's 2-1 win. He also struck out three without walking a batter.

"I think the curveball is the best it's been all year," said Zimmermann, who is 5-5 with a 3.42 ERA. "That was the big pitch for me tonight. And the fastball location was there. It was good night. Pound the zone and let the guys behind me play defense."

Zimmermann has faced the Braves 13 times and is 5-2 against them with a 2.84 ERA.

Washington had its eight-game winning streak stopped in Philadelphia, as it split a doubleheader with the Phillies on Sunday, falling 8-5 in the second game.

Tanner Roark (3-3) took the loss after being hammered for all eight Philadelphia runs on 12 hits in 3 1/3 innings.

"Up in the zone a little bit, and they had some balls that snuck through," said Nationals manager Matt Williams. "Just not his day."

Atlanta, meanwhile, snapped a five-game losing streak on Sunday, as Alex Wood tossed 7 1/3 shutout innings and the Braves defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates, 2-1.

Wood (5-5) struck out eight, walked none and allowed five hits for the Braves, whileJace Peterson smacked a solo homer in the triumph.

"When you get all three (pitches) going, those usually turn into pretty fun days," Wood said.

Getting the call on Tuesday will be righty Shelby Miller, who is winless in his last seven starts, but is 5-3 on the year with a 1.94 ERA. Miller matched Zimmermann last Wednesday, as he allowed one run in seven innings, but also did not get a decision.

Atlanta's ace is 0-2 with a 2.70 ERA since his last win back on May 17.

"That's part of the game," said Miller, who is 2-0 in five starts versus the Nats. "All I'm trying to do is go out there and pitch. Wins are great, but at the end of the day we lost. I'm not going out and trying to win for myself, I'm trying to win for the team and we're trying to get in to first place. We're playing a good team and it's frustrating losing two games when we're trying to chase this thing. But we've just got to keep grinding this thing out."

Washington has won its last eight meetings with the Braves.