Michael O'Connor; 2-1, 2.12 ERA vs.
Jorge Sosa; 0-5, 6.17 ERA ATLANTA (Ticker) - The Atlanta Braves aim for a fifth win in six games Saturday when they host the Washington Nationals in the second contest of a three-game series.
Atlanta will give the ball to Jorge Sosa (0-5, 6.17 ERA), who is making his first appearance this season against the Nationals. Sosa, who hasn't pitched since coming out of the bullpen on May 5, has allowed four runs or more in all five of his starts this year.
The Braves would love Sosa to give them close to what they received in Friday's opener from ace John Smoltz, who pitched a four-hitter in a 6-2 victory.
The Nationals counter with rookie Mike O'Connor (2-1, 2.12), who takes the mound in search of his third win in a row.
O'Connor allowed three runs in five innings in Sunday's 5-4 triumph against the Pittsburgh Pirates. With that victory, O'Connor became the Nationals' first lefthanded pitcher to win consecutive starts since 2001.
During his two-game winning streak, the 25-year-old has nine strikeouts and has yielded only seven hits in 12 innings.
Washington is looking to snap a three-game losing streak. The Nationals' recent struggles have not been a burden on rookie third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, however, as the 22-year-old homered in Friday's game and carries a five-game hitting streak into Saturday's contest.
Washington 1. A. Soriano
lf .270
2. J. Vidro
2b .333
3. N. Johnson
1b .318
4. J. Guillen
rf .235
5. R. Church
cf .250
6. R. Zimmerman
3b.248
7. M. LeCroy
c .275
8. R. Clayton
ss .241
9. M. O'Connor
p .000
Atlanta1. M. Giles
2b .220
2. E. Renteria
ss .345
3. C. Jones
3b .313
4. A. Jones
cf .273
5. J. Francoeur
rf .245
6. B. Jordan
1b .310
7. M. Diaz
lf .349
8. T. Pratt
c .192
9. J. Sosa
p .200
