Gameday Thread: Nats @ Braves, Game 1
Livan Hernandez, RHP (12-4, 3.44)
Nationals (55-44)
John Smoltz, RHP (11-5, 2.64)
Braves (55-44)
Game Time 1:05 PM
MLB Scouting Report:After claiming Wednesday that he may need knee surgery, Hernandez has vowed to not only make this start, but to pitch the rest of the season. Hernandez said after losing to Colorado 3-2 that he was afraid the pain in his knee would prevent him from walking, but he changed his outlook after feeling much better Thursday. Hernandez has lost his past two decisions, and the Nationals are 0-3 in his previous three starts. He had been undefeated since April 19 before that stretch.
Smoltz continues to appear all over the pitching leaderboards. He's fifth in the National League in wins, 10th in strikeouts, ninth in baserunners allowed, third in complete games, fifth in ERA, third in innings pitched, and third in complete games. He hasn't missed a beat since the All-Star break, allowing just one run in eight innings and striking out seven against the Giants in his last start, and allowing the Mets just a single run as well in seven strong innings the start prior.
Starting Lineups:Washington Nationals:
Name AVG HR RBI SB
1. B Wilkerson, LF .261 6 35 4
2. J Vidro, 2B .259 5 21 0
3. J Guillen, RF .299 19 54 1
4. N Johnson, 1B .320 8 42 3
5. V Castilla, 3B .252 6 44 4
6. R Church, CF .318 7 33 2
7. B Schneider, C .279 6 28 1
8. C Guzman, SS .186 3 13 3
9. L Hernandez, P .167 1 2 0
Atlanta Braves:
Name AVG HR RBI SB
1. R Furcal, SS .260 7 33 32
2. K Johnson, LF .236 7 30 0
3. M Giles, 2B .286 7 31 12
4. A Jones, CF .278 32 77 2
5. C Jones, 3B .270 8 27 1
6. A LaRoche, 1B .265 13 56 0
7. R Langerhans, RF .238 6 26 0
8. B McCann, C .289 2 5 0
9. J Smoltz, P .178 0 2 0