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Braves looking to end three-game skid

Apr 30, 2008 - 12:31 PM Atlanta (12-14) at Washington (10-17) 4:35 pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) - The Atlanta Braves turn to a 22-year-old rookie starter to help them avoid a fourth consecutive loss Wednesday when they meet the Washington Nationals in the finale of a two-game series.

Jair Jurrjens (3-2, 3.45 ERA) will take the hill for the Braves, who have lost four of their last six contests following a five-game winning streak.

Jurrjens is hoping for his third win in as many starts after he allowed three runs on two hits and four walks with four strikeouts over six innings during Friday's 6-3 triumph over the New York Mets.

The Nationals are seeking their third straight victory and fifth win in six games after Ryan Zimmerman hit his first home run since April 2 and added a two-run double to power his club to a 6-3 triumph over Atlanta on Tuesday.

Zimmerman is batting .241 with three home runs and 13 RBI this season. Two of the third baseman's blasts in 2008 have been against the Braves.

Washington will send Shawn Hill (0-0, 5.40) to the mound. The righthander tossed five innings in his last outing, allowing three runs in a 10-5 victory over the New York Mets on Thursday.