Inciarte, McCann Return To Lineup While Nationals Stay the Same

The Braves made a few expected changes to their line-up. With a right-hander on the mound, Ender Inciarte and Brian McCann will get the start tonight. This definitely improves the Braves defense. Hopefully, it also improves the offense if Inciarte and McCann can continue their hitting success from Philadelphia.

However, the key to tonight certainly is the top of the order. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies must find ways to get on base. The result of that will not only be their speed on the bases, but also that Erick Feede’s pitch count is rising. When either of them is on base multiple times in a game, it usually means good things for the Atlanta offense.

The Nationals are sticking with what worked last night, and there is logic with that strategy. Trea Turner, Anthony Rendon, and Howie Kendrick have all had success against Teheran in their careers. As a result, the two things Teheran must do are quite simple: limit walks and the production of the bottom of the order. If he can succeed, the Braves offense should be able to find a way to win.