Two teams experiencing contrasting months meet when the Atlanta Braves open a three-day, four-game series at the Washington Nationals on Monday.

The Braves (66-83), who will soon see their streak of seven straight postseason appearances end, are limping home and sport a 4-8 September record after snapping a four-game losing streak on Sunday.

The Nationals (62-87), who will extend their streak of missing the playoffs to six, improved to 9-4 this month when they rallied for a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.

Atlanta will send right-hander Spencer Strider (5-13, 4.86 ERA) against Washington left-hander Mitchell Parker (8-15, 5.69) on Monday.

After a brutal early August (15.43 ERA in three starts), Strider has bounced back. Over his last three starts, he has given up six earn

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