Atlanta now has a eight game winning streak and with a win today will sweep the Nationals in Washington DC a feat that has not happened since September 2009. Maholm is 2-0 0.00 ERA this season going 12 2/3 scoreless innings in two starts and 13 K's. Maholm has had trouble vs. Washington going 1-6 5.52 ERA in ten career starts but may be able to put some of that past behind him today with the good work he has been giving the Braves this season. Gonzalez is 1-0 0.82 ERA this season and a 21 game winner in 2012 but will have to go deeper into games with the Nationals bull pen with a 7.81 ERA in this series. Atlanta's bull pen has been stellar in the series and has a number one in MLB 1.35 ERA rating. Gattis for Atlanta has been providing big hits and Byrce Harper is still hungry to play every day. Atlanta has Washington back on the heels but Gonzalez has the potential to get the Nationals a solid home win avoiding a Sunday Sweep. Gonzalez will still have to face Upton Heyward Uggla and Gattis however and will have to be sharp and get some major innigns in with a shaky Washington bull pen waiting in the wings. Source: ESPN MLB Preview
Maholm is giving Atlanta outstanding outings this season and his past performances vs. Washington may be irrevelant today. Gonzalez with gets his K's in today especially against BJ Upton who tends to swing at bad pitches. Today the focus will be Atlanta +1 -129 against a tough Gonzalez who has to go deep into the game with that Washignton shaky bull pen behind him. Braves bull pen can be relied upon to bring it home if Braves get that one run lead in the late innings.
