WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 19: Joey Wiemer #21 of the Washington Nationals slides in to second base against the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park on April 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images After a couple of lackluster years by their standards, it sure seems like the big bad Braves are back. They are 15-7 and have a 5 game lead in the division already. The Nats will have to battle with this team for four games.

It will be a tough test for the exciting but flawed Nats.With a righty on the mound, there will be a couple changes in the lineup. Daylen Lile will be back in there in left field. The red hot Jose Tena will be back in the DH spot, while Luis Garcia Jr. goes to first base.

Drew Millas will be behind the plate. Jake Irvin has had success against the Braves over the years, but this lineup has been firing on all cylinders so far.nl east showdown→ https://t.co/iUBDqlBaL0pic.twitter.com/1ojt3l4ncA— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) April 20, 2026Six of the Braves nine starters have an OPS of at least .799 and two of the players below that are Ronald Acuna Jr. and Austin Riley, who is heating up after a slow start. Old friend Dominic Smith has been a revelation for the Braves, hitting over .350 with a number of big moments.

Drake Baldwin and Matt Olson are red hot, while Michael Harris and Ozzie Albies look re-energized. This lineup is looking scary. Bryce Elder has also gotten off to an insane start and will be on the mound tonight.📍 Washington, DC#BravesCountrypic.twitter.com/upa7qaR6Sl— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 20, 2026Join the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!Game Info:Stadium: Nationals ParkTime: 6:45 PM ESTTV: Nationals.TVRadio: 106.7 The FanWhile it was nice to avoid the sweep, dropping that second game of the Giants series still looms large.

The Nats could have been entering this series at .500. Facing the red hot Braves for four games is an uphill battle, but hopefully the Nats can come away with a split like they did against the Pirates. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!