=== Braves, Nats begin important three-game series ===

(My Sportsbook) - With their playoff hopes dwindling at a rapid pace, the Washington Nationals face a must-win situation this evening when they open up a three-game set versus the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves at RFK Stadium.

Washington is coming off losing the final three of its four-game series against Florida, including an 8-4 defeat on Thursday. In the process, the Nationals have slipped four games behind Houston for the wild card.

Nationals starter John Patterson (8-5) was pounded for seven runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings in Thursday's defeat. It was his first loss at home this season (6-1). Washington's pitchers have been touched for 31 hits and 20 runs over their last two contests.

Cristian Guzman ended 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for the Nationals, who have dropped five of their last eight games. Jamey Carroll tacked on two hits in the defeat.

Washington, which is in the middle of a huge 10-contest homestand, is 39-30 in its friendly confines.

The Nationals will have veteran righthander Esteban Loaiza on the hill tonight. Loaiza has won three of his last four starts, including a victory over Philadelphia last Sunday. In the contest, Loaiza limited the Phillies to just four hits and a run over eight innings, while fanning 11 and walking four. Loaiza is 6-4 with a 2.51 ERA in 14 home starts this season.

Loaiza has made four starts against the Braves this season, posting an 0-1 mark with a 4.63 ERA. For his career, Loaiza is 3-3 with a 4.54 ERA versus Atlanta.

Atlanta will reply with lefthander Horacio Ramirez on the mound. Ramirez is 1-0 over his last two starts, including a no-decision versus Cincinnati last Sunday. The southpaw limited the Reds to seven hits and three runs over 7 2/3 innings, while fanning seven and walking three. Ramirez is just 3-7 with a 5.61 ERA in 14 road tilts this season.

Ramirez has tallied a 3-3 mark with a 3.25 ERA in his career versus the Nationals. This year, Ramirez has posted a 1-1 record with a 3.48 ERA in three outings against Washington.

The Braves are cruising towards yet another NL East title, leading second place Florida by six games. Atlanta has won three straight and six of its last seven, including a 4-3 victory in 11 innings over the New York Mets on Wednesday.

Ryan Langerhans delivered a two-run single with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift the Braves to the win. Langerhans finished 3-for-4 with three RBI, while Jeff Francoeur chipped in two hits in the contest.

Braves reliever John Foster (4-1) picked up the win despite allowing a run in two-thirds of an inning of work. Starter Tim Hudson surrendered eight hits and two runs over eight innings in the no-decision.

Atlanta, which is beginning a 10-game road trip, is 33-35 in foreign buildings this season.

These teams have split 16 meetings this season, with the Nationals winning four of six contests at RFK Stadium.