After giving the Nationals two home runs Monday night, Rick Ankiel found himself back in the leadoff spot in the starting lineup for a second straight day — and just seventh of his career. He’ll man center on Tuesday while, despite facing right-hander Derek Lowe, Jonny Gomes will get the start in left.
Laynce Nix will sit after starting last night and driving in a run with a single. Nix was pulled for a defensive replacement in Brian Bixler in the ninth inning so his right Achilles may well be acting up. We’ll find out when the clubhouse opens to reporters.
At any rate, here are the full lineups behind Atlanta’s Lowe and Washington’s John Lannan:
Nationals:
Rick Ankiel CF
Danny Espinosa 2B
Ryan Zimmerman 3B
Michael Morse 1B
Jayson Werth RF
Jonny Gomes LF
Ian Desmond SS
Wilson Ramos C
John Lannan P
Braves:
Michael Bourn CF
Martin Prado LF
Freddie Freeman 1B
Dan Uggla 2B
Alex Gonzalez SS
Brooks Conrad 3B
David Ross C
Jose Constanza RF
Derek Lowe P
