The Nationals are set to begin their four-game series with the Atlanta Braves this evening, looking to spoil the strong start Atlanta has had to their season. Bryce Elder, who enters the day with the second-best qualified ERA in the National League, will face off against Jake Irvin and Blake Butera’s quietly strong offense.

In-depth analysis of the matchup later in today’s notes.

The Washington Nationals salvaged the finale of the series with a clean 3–0 win over the San Francisco Giants. All of Washington’s offense came in the decisive fifth inning, as the rally started with Keibert Ruiz’s RBI double before Curtis Mead delivered the knockout blow with a two-run homer. Outside of that frame, the Nationals didn’t do anything crazy offensively, but they executed when it mattered, turning a small window into all the runs they would need.

On the mound, it was probably Washington’s best effort of the season. Andrew Alvarez led the way with 4.1 scoreless innings in his season debut after Miles Mikolas held down the fort with four shutout frames to give the Nats a chance the early innings. The Nationals’ pitching staff held San Francisco scoreless despite eight hits, stranding traffic all afternoon. Sunday was also Washington’s first shutout win of the season.

On Deck…

Foster Griffin will take the mound for the Nationals tomorrow as this Monday-Thursday series rolls on. At 6:45 P.M., the left-hander will be squaring off with Reynaldo López, who has been an effective arm for Atlanta early this year.

In the hole…

Game three of the week will come on Wednesday, as righty Zack Littell faces effective veteran lefty Martín Pérez, once again at 6:45 P.M.