Tim Hudson will once again try for the 200th win in his career when the Atlanta Braves resume a four-game series versus Gio Gonzalez and the Washington Nationals at Turner Field.
Hudson has failed in his last two attempts at win No. 200, first taking one on the chin in a 6-0 loss at Pittsburgh on April 19, when he allowed six runs and nine hits in a season-low four innings. Hudson took another shot at the 200- win club last Wednesday at Colorado, but was turned away in a 6-5 setback.
The right-hander gave up three runs on six hits, including two home runs, in six innings against the Rockies and fell to 2-1 with a 4.50 earned run average in five starts. Another win and Hudson will join John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and Phil Niekro as those who earned their 200th victory in an Atlanta uniform.
Hudson, who has 107 wins as a Brave and looks to become the third active pitcher with 200 triumphs (Andy Pettitte, 247 and Roy Halladay, 201), defeated Washington on April 13 with seven innings of one-run ball in a 3-1 win. He has enjoyed success against the Nationals as evidenced by a 15-5 record in 27 starts with a 2.60 ERA.
Atlanta ended a four-game slide with Monday's 3-2 win over Washington in the series opener. Andrelton Simmons knocked in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning and Dan Uggla added two hits for the Braves.
Julio Teheran started for Atlanta and gave up two runs and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings for the no-decision. Jordan Walden picked up the win in relief and Craig Kimbrel nailed down his ninth save in the ninth inning.
"It's nice to play them and get a win," Braves outfielder Jordan Schafer told the club's website. "Any time we play them, obviously, it's a big game. It's early. But it's a big game."
Kurt Suzuki and Chad Tracy each had an RBI for the Nationals, who saw Stephen Strasburg allow two runs on six hits and four walks in six innings. Tyler Clippard was dealt the loss for permitting the go-ahead run.
Meanwhile, Gonzalez found the win column for the second time this season his last time out in an 8-1 win over Cincinnati on Thursday. Gonzalez sat down the first 11 batters he faced and tossed eight strong innings, allowing one run on a homer with seven K's and two walks.
The crafty left-hander was 0-1 with an 8.36 ERA in his previous three starts and improved to 2-1 in five outings this season. Gonzalez was hammered by the Braves the first time he faced them in a 9-0 loss on April 14, when he allowed seven runs and seven hits in five innings.
Through five career starts against Atlanta, Gonzalez is 2-3 with a 6.08 ERA.
Atlanta swept the three-game series a few weeks ago at Nationals Park and has won the last eight meetings between the teams.
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