WASHINGTON – The postponement of Monday's game created an unusual situation for the Braves, who can clinch their first division title since 2005 by sweeping the Nationals in Tuesday's split doubleheader.
The Braves’ magic number remained four — any combination of Braves wins and Nationals losses totaling four gives Atlanta the National League East title. A sweep against the defending division champs Tuesday could cut the magic number to zero in a span of about 10 hours. Start times are 1:05 p.m. and 7:05 p.m.
Both teams moved back planned Monday starters to the doubleheader opener, with the Braves’ Mike Minor facing veteran right-hander Dan Haren (9-13, 5.02 ERA). In the nightcap, Freddy Garcia faces Nationals rookie Tanner Roark (6-0, 1.30).
Asked if it might be difficult to get players re-focused Tuesday, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said, “I don’t think so. Guys were talking about (how) the right thing to do is take a day, respect the day, and then go back to business.”
Reliever Scott Downs said the Braves had no choice but to re-stoke competitive fires Tuesday.
“Tomorrow, the next day and the next day, they’re still going to be in everybody’s thoughts and prayers, until this thing is settled down,” he said. “The families are going to have to go through this the rest of their lives, and kids are going to have to deal with that.
“It’s not easy to do, but they say the best thing to do is move on. We’re going to have to do that one way or the other.”
The Braves will start Alex Wood in Wednesday’s series finale, likely against right-hander Ross Ohlendorf (4-0, 3.15).
