Braves-Nationals only on Facebook today

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Facebook's digital-only live stream will continue this afternoon as the Braves and Nationals wrap up their four-game series in Washington. The National League East matchup, which pits a pair of postseason hopefuls, is one of 25 streaming broadcasts scheduled for 2018 as part of MLB's partnership with Facebook. 
Fans can catch the 1:05 p.m. ET contest at www.facebook.com/MLBLiveGames or by logging onto Facebook's MLB live page from their phones, tablets, smart TVs or other streaming devices. MLB Network will produce the game, with play-by-play announcer Scott Braun, analysts Mark DeRosa, a former Brave who still resides in Atlanta, and F.P. Santangelo, and field reporter Dan Kolko.
How to watch on mobile and desktop
Desktop

  1. Search for "MLB Live" on Facebook
  2. Follow the "MLB Live" show page
    Mobile
  3. Download the Facebook video app on your TV or streaming device and search for "MLB Live"
  4. Or stream the game from your phone to a TV on the same WiFi network by tapping the TV icon.
    What to know about the Braves-Nationals game: 
    The Braves enter Thursday clinging to a half-game lead over Arizona for the second NL Wild Card spot. They are also a half-game behind the first-place Phillies in the NL East. The Nationals, whose season hasn't gone as expected so far, are 5 1/2 games back of Atlanta in the Wild Card chase and six behind Philadelphia. The Braves find themselves pushing for a postseason berth primarily due to their impressive success against the NL East. Atlanta enters Thursday 36-18 in divisional play, while Washington is 24-24.

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Braves right-hander Aníbal Sánchez will look to continue what's been a career renaissance season, in which he's been a critical cog in a rotation that is otherwise full of youngsters. The 34-year-old Sanchez, who has made 15 appearances (14 starts) this season, is 6-3 with a team-best 2.89 ERA among starters. Sanchez has given Atlanta length, pitching at least six innings in each of his last six outings dating back to the start of July, giving up just one run in three of those starts.
For the Nationals, left-hander Gio González hasn't experienced the same success over that stretch, pitching to a 5.01 ERA in his six most recent outings with a .298 opposing batting average. Gonzalez allowed 12 baserunners in his last outing against the Reds over just 3 2/3 innings last Saturday. His struggles have been reminiscent of Washington's season, as the Nats have dealt with inconsistencies throughout their rotation, aside from perennial NL Cy Young Award candidate Max Scherzer.