Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves preview: Alex Wood aims to keep momentum
By Brad Rowland
Apr 6, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Alex Wood (40) throws during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Update: The official lineup has been posted and there is a familiar face at shortstop, as Andrelton Simmons returns from a 2-game absence.
Tonight's lineup vs. WSH (7:10, FSS/680AM/BRN): Heyward 9 BUpton 8 Freeman 3 Johnson 5 JUpton 7 Uggla 4 Gattis 2 Simmons 6 Wood 1
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 12, 2014
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The Atlanta Braves kicked off their first home series of the year against the Washington Nationals with a bang in a 7-6, 10-inning victory on Friday night, and now, they will have a quick turnaround in an effort to keep the momentum going on Saturday night at Turner Field.
Left-hander Alex Wood is on the hill for the Braves in this one, and to be honest, he has been the best starting pitcher on the roster this season. Wood hasn’t been without blemish in his 2 starts, as his high-end strikeout potential hasn’t been fully realized, but he has allowed only 3 runs over 14 innings, and that is fantastic from a results standpoint. To potentially help Wood, the Nats could be without Jayson Werth on Saturday after he exited early with a groin issue on Friday night, and the young lefty is also a good match-up against guys like Bryce Harper and Adam LaRoche.
Offensively, the Braves are scheduled to have Andrelton Simmons back in the lineup in this one, and he will join a lineup that seems to be breaking out of its shell. Justin Upton is smacking the cover off the ball right now (in direct contrast to his brother and Dan Uggla), and he’ll lead the unit against Washington youngster Taylor Jordan. The 24-year-old right-hander has thrown less than 60 innings in his MLB career, but much like Friday starter Tanner Roark, his production has been solid, and he’ll present a challenge to Atlanta’s bats.
Here is a look at the particulars for Saturday:
Date: April 12, 2014
Start Time: 7:10 p.m.
TV Channel: Fox Sports South
Radio: 680 AM/106.7 FM (Local in Atlanta), Full list of Local Affiliates
Live Stream: MLB.tv (Click Here, $)
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