The set-up: The 70-49 Washington Nationals lead the NL East by 8 1/2 games and own a better record than any NL team not named the Chicago Cubs. They open a four-game series Thursday night in Atlanta to face the Braves, who own a MLB-worst 44-76 record. The Nats are coming off losing two of three at Colorado to open the week, so welcome the chance to take on Atlanta, a team they've been eight of nine times in 2016.

The pitching matchup: Two rookies will take the mound, Reynaldo Lopez (1-1, 5.74 ERA) for Washington and Rob Whalen (1-1, 7.31 ERA) for Atlanta. Lopez earned his first major-league victory Friday against Atlanta in Washington, holding the Braves to one run on five hits over seven strong innings. He features a mid-90s fastball and an outstanding curveball, ranking as Washington's third-best prospect by MLB.com (he had struck out 122 Ks in 102 1/3 innings across 18 minor-league starts this season). Whalen makes his fourth major-league start and his second in a row against Lopez and the Nationals, hoping for better results after getting roughed up for six runs on six hits in five innings to take his first big-league defeat. Whalen posted a 1.93 ERA in three starts at Triple-A, after going 7-5 in 18 starts at Double-A in 2016. However, he owns a 7.31 ERA in three major league starts, so far.

The pick: Washington really needs a good effort from Lopez, as the team's bullpen worked 16 1/3 innings in three games at Coors Field. His effort vs. the Braves in Washington last Friday is a good indication he'll do just that and Atlanta's woeful 18-41 home record speaks for itself. 10* play on Washington.