Smith-Shawver tossed six strong innings against Washington last week.
Game two of the series in the nation’s capital this week features a rematch of a pitching matchup the Braves won just a week ago in Atlanta — rookie AJ Smith-Shawver vs. veteran righty Trevor Williams.
Smith-Shawver has been on an impressive roll since returning from a brief stint in the minors, posting a 1.08 ERA, 2.98 FIP, 3.79 xFIP and 23/9 strikeout to walk ratio across four starts and 25 innings. It’s probably worth pointing out the competition in this stretch has been pretty meager (Rockies, Reds, Pirates, Nationals) but results are results, especially when talking about a starter finding his way in the majors at the age of 22. Let’s hope Smith-Shawver can turn in a fifth strong start in a row.
As for Williams, the 33-year-old journeyman has an ugly 5.91 ERA over nine starts but his peripherals are much better with a combined xERA, FIP and xFIP of 3.80. The Braves got to Williams for four runs (three earned) over 4 1⁄3 innings last week as he really labored at times. After a solid start to the season, Williams has allowed 17 runs to score over his last 20 innings.
Tuesday’s loss was an odd one for Atlanta. The bats were strong early (for both sides, really) and it seemed like the offensive awakening in Boston was going to continue. However, after the third inning, the Braves had just two singles — one of which an infield single, the other promptly erased on a double play — and no walks. With a dandy of a pitching matchup on Thursday with Chris Sale and McKenzie Gore, it would behoove the Braves to get to Williams early and often tonight and even the series.
First pitch, weather permitting, is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET from Nationals Park.