Braves vs Nationals: Elder vs Irvin

On April 20th, the Atlanta Braves are rolling right now, fresh off sweeping the Phillies in Philly for the first time since 2016.

They're topping Major League Baseball and Run differential, Total Run scored, Team ERA, and holding the biggest division lead anywhere.

Even missing half their rotation, they're starting shortstop, and catcher Sean Murphy, they've started hotter than a summer sidewalk.

Bryce Elder takes the hill tonight against the Washington Nationals, who's tied for second in the division, despite a losing record.

Elders flashing all-star vibes with a 0.77 ERA, facing a Nats offense that's third and runs per game at 5.50 only.

Trailing the Dodgers and Braves, but Washington's leaky pitching lets in the most runs leak-wide, tied with Houston at 6.09 per game.

Hands are buzzing about Elders' improved stuff. His expected ERA sits at 2.30, best of his career, backed by sharp strikeouts, walks, ground balls, and barely any hard contact.

Still, Nats hitters have feasted on him before, guys like CJ Abrams and Luis Garcia Jr. own high OPS marks, and limited at bats.

Keep eyes on young James Wood, the only one to Homer off him.

Meanwhile, National Starter, Jake Irvin struggling with a 6.16 ERA and a 5.07 expected mark, plus he walks away too.

Many at 12.8%. Braves draw walks like pros, fourth best in baseball, so that could unlock their bats.

Michael Harris stays scorching hot and crushes Irvin with a 389 average in 18 at bats.

Two elite offenses clash at Nationals Park, so pitching decides at all, first pitch 6.45 pm, Eastern on Braves vision, or 6.80 am.

93.7 FM. This one's got fireworks written all over it.

From your team, powered by AI, this is Washington Nationals News Today.

I'm Corey with The Story.