With a three-game series coming against the Nationals, the Braves are eager to gain ground on the division rival.

Atlanta leads the National League Wild Card race, but they trail Washington by five games in the NL East. The Nationals have won eight of their twelve meetings so far this season. After this week, the two clubs will meet just once more, Sept. 14-16 at Turner Field.

"Everybody is looking for a great series and an intense series," Braves left fielder Martin Prado said.

"We've got to deal with a good team, one of the best teams in the league right now. We're looking forward to a good series. Everybody is excited to play. I'm just hoping the stadium is going to be packed and that there will be a lot of intense emotional stuff. If we win the series there, it will be super huge for us and give us even more confidence in our team."

The Braves haven't been closer than two games to the division lead since June 9.

"We have the opportunity to take advantage because it seems like every time we win, they win and they don't lose very often," first baseman Freddie Freeman said. "So this is our time to try to take control of things and get a little closer."