Washington Nationals (55-88) At Atlanta Braves (62-81), 1:35 P.m.
(Sports Network) - Young Atlanta southpaw Jo-Jo Reyes looks for his first win since June 13 today when the Atlanta Braves finish off a four-game series with the Washington Nationals at Turner Field. Reyes was 3-4 following a June 13 defeat of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim -- in which he allowed five hits and two runs over eight innings -- but has gone 0-6 in 10 outings since. The Braves have lost nine straight games in which he's appeared. He got a no-decision after a four-inning stint against Washington on August 30, allowing eight hits and four runs. His one other 2008 matchup with the Nationals ended in a July 20 loss after he was ripped for seven hits and six runs in 2 1/3 innings. Reyes was scheduled to start in the series opener on Thursday, but was pushed back to be with his wife, who gave birth to their first child. He pitches today to replace rookie Charlie Morton and keep Thursday's replacement, James Parr, on his regular turn in the rotation. For Washington, rookie right-hander Collin Balester makes his second consecutive start against the Braves. The 6-foot-5, 194-pounder met Atlanta on August 31 in Washington and got a no- decision after allowing six hits and four runs in seven innings of an 8-4 win. He defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers one start prior, scattering five hits and a single run over five innings of a 2-1 triumph. Previously, he'd won just twice in his first nine starts, allowing 50 hits and 27 earned runs in 48 2/3 innings. He's 1-3 in five road starts. On Saturday, Elijah Dukes hit a pair of solo homers and Ryan Langerhans had a pinch-hit go-ahead homer in the 10th inning, as the Nationals edged the Braves, 8-5. Ryan Zimmerman and Willie Harris clubbed a solo homer each for the Nats, who have won nine of their last 12 games. Starter Tim Redding went six innings and gave up three runs -- two earned -- on five hits to get a no-decision. Kelly Johnson had a pair of RBI for the Braves, who have dropped six of their last nine games. Yunel Escobar and Gregor Blanco both drove in a run in defeat. Starter Mike Hampton lasted seven frames and was touched for five runs -- four earned -- on eight hits. Hampton also gave up a career-high four homers in the no-decision. Washington is 11-6 against Atlanta this season, with a 4-4 mark in Dixie.
Copyright 2008 Courtesy of The Sports Network.










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