Washington Nationals (56-103) at Atlanta Braves (86-73), 7:10 p.m.

Sports Network | October 2, 2009

(Sports Network) - Not even a visit from the team with the worst record in baseball was enough to get the Braves back on track. Now officially eliminated from playoff contention, Atlanta continues a four-game series with the Washington Nationals this evening at Turner Field.

The Braves are in the midst of a back-breaking three-game losing streak that was extended with last night's 2-1 setback. Colorado's victory over Milwaukee on Thursday officially eliminated Atlanta from the wild card race.

Former Brave Pete Orr connected on an RBI single in the ninth inning to give Washington the one-run victory.

"It was nice, there's some very good people over there. I have nothing but respect for everyone in the Braves organization," said Orr, who played for Atlanta from 2005-2007.

Ryan Zimmerman added an RBI double for the Nats, who have won four straight to improve to 56-103 on the season. The winning streak helped the club avoid the possibility of matching the franchise-record 110 losses it posted in its 1969 debut season.

Nate McLouth's solo homer accounted for all the offense for the Braves, who have lost three in a row on the heels of a seven-game winning streak. Garret Anderson went 2-for-4 and recorded the 2,501st hit of his career.

"I don't think any of them [milestones] are more special than the others, it's just an accomplishment you have a chance to reach when you play a lot of years," Anderson said of his mark.

Derek Lowe seeks to run his unbeaten streak to five starts tonight for the Braves. He is 2-0 over his run, but got a no-decision in Washington on Sunday after allowing three runs on three homers over six innings.

The 36-year-old righty is 15-9 with a 4.55 earned run average and can post his highest win total since 2006, when he also won 16 games with the Dodgers.

Lowe is 1-2 with a 4.28 ERA in five starts versus Washington this season.

Livan Hernandez counters for the Nationals and he is just 1-4 in seven starts since rejoining the club from New York. He lost back-to-back outings before a no-decision against the Braves and Lowe on Sunday. He gave up three runs on six hits over 6 1/3 innings.

Hernandez is 8-12 with a 5.48 ERA in 30 combined starts with the Nats and Mets this year. The 34-year-old righty is 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA in two starts versus Washington in 2009.

The Braves had won five straight over Washington before Thursday's loss, but has still won 10 of the 15 meetings in 2009.