ATLANTA -- As the Braves surged to the top of the National League East during the past month, the Nationals have certainly noticed the arrival of their young and talented division rival. However, the Nats insist they have kept the focus on themselves, and that if they continue to play well and get healthy, there is no reason why they will not win the division once again.
Perhaps this weekend's four-game series can serve as a measuring stick for both teams, as the Braves snapped Washington's six-game winning streak and took back first place with a 4-2 victory on Thursday night at SunTrust Park.