AJ Smith-Shawver, Braves bid to slow down Nationals

The Washington Nationals go for a season-high fifth straight win when they host the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night.

The Nationals continued their strong play with a 5-3 victory over the Braves on Tuesday night.

Atlanta's AJ Smith-Shawver (3-2, 2.33 ERA) will look to slow down Washington on Wednesday when he opposes fellow right-hander Trevor Williams (2-5, 5.91).

Smith-Shawver, 22, has been dominant in the month of May. Over three starts, he has allowed one earned run on eight hits in 19 2/3 innings (0.46 ERA) while striking out 18. His only blemish is walking eight batters during that stretch.

Last time out, Smith-Shawver allowed one unearned run over six innings of a win against the Nationals. He gave up two hits and two walks while striking out six.

"For me, it's really been just trusting my stuff, attacking the zone and trying to get the batter out in three pitches or less," Smith-Shawver said. "I was talking to (catcher James) McCann when we were down in (Triple-A) Gwinnett, and he's just (saying), ‘Try to get the guy out in three pitches.'"

Smith-Shawver is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in two career appearances versus Washington.

Williams, on the other hand, has struggled in his last four outings (1-3, 6.86 ERA). He was the losing pitcher against Smith-Shawver last Thursday, allowing four runs (three earned) in 4 1/3 innings.

Williams is 3-2 with a 3.50 ERA in 12 career appearances (eight starts) against Atlanta.

Dylan Crews homered for the second straight game and James Wood had two hits on Tuesday night. Mitchell Parker pitched into the sixth inning and Kyle Finnegan picked up his 15th save.

"We talk so much about trying to beat up the starter and score first, and it's come to fruition the last couple days," manager Dave Martinez said. "It's been great. Our bullpen comes in with a little cushion; it's good for them, too. The boys are really playing well."

Crews left after the fifth inning, having felt something in his lower back/left side on a check-swing.

"It kind of grabbed a little bit on the check-swing," said Crews, who will get an MRI on Wednesday. "It's unfortunate. It's something that's new to me."

Wood has now reached base safely in 26 of his last 28 games and has hits in 15 of his last 18 games.

Matt Olson homered for Atlanta, which had won three of four. Olson has hit safely in 12 of his last 15 games with three doubles, five home runs, four walks and 10 RBIs.

Ozzie Albies had an RBI double in the second inning to extend his hitting streak to seven games.

Atlanta's Spencer Strider, in his return from a trip to the injured list due to a right hamstring strain, allowed four runs on six hits over 4 1/3 innings. He took the loss in his first start since April 16.

"Didn't give us a chance to win the game, really," Strider said. "Just got to be better. Didn't execute, stuff wasn't consistent. Just hate to see the guys come back, put a three-spot up there [in the second inning] and then go out and immediately give up the lead."