Today's Starting Pitchers

T. Hudson Braves vs.  M. Chico Nationals 0-0 W-L 0-0 1.29 ERA 13.50 5 SO 3 4 BB 0 1 HR 3 vs. Nationals -- vs. Braves

And so we begin the first of five games in eight days against the Washington Nationals - the one and six Washington Nationals. But let us take nothing for granted; any team can beat any other team on any given day. That said we should be beating the Nationals. If we are to have any chance at the division or the wild card then these cellar dwelling teams like that Nats need to be beaten regularly.

And so what I'm hoping for from this series and the next against the Marlins is that our bats will find life. Yes we are solid in the homerun department and the clutch hitting department, but I'd like to see our guys collectively raise their average and get a bit more consistent at the plate. And nothing helps to straighten out the average like seeing triple-A pitching at the major league level.

Don't forget to get your picks in before the game for Nok-A-Homa-Win-A-Lotta (click here to learn how to play); the three categories are (1) Attendance, (2) Pick to Click, and (3) Above and Beyond Pick.