ATLANTA (Interstat) — The Washington Nationals open a four-game series against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night at 7:20 p.m. at Truist Park, looking to close a significant gap in the National League East standings. First pitch is scheduled under clear skies with temperatures near 84 degrees. The Braves (62-45) enter the series holding a commanding lead in the division, while the Nationals (55-54) are seven games back in the loss column and fighting to stay above .500. Washington dropped two of three to Toronto at home this week, concluding with a 5-2 loss Wednesday despite right-hander Zack Littell’s solid relief outing. Littell, who is expected to start Thursday, has been erratic over his past five appearances. He worked 4 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday against the Blue Jays, allowing four hits and striking out two. However, in his prior start July 24 against Arizona, he surrendered one earned run over five innings in a 3-2 loss. His most difficult outing came July 18 at Oakland, where he was tagged for eight earned runs on eight hits in six innings. The Nationals have lost all five of Littell’s most recent starts. Atlanta counters with right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver, who is making his second start since returning from the injured list. On July 29 at the New York Mets, he took a no-decision after allowing two earned runs on four hits over 4 1/3 innings in a 3-2 loss. He struck out four and walked two. The Braves have struggled recently, losing seven of their last 10. They were routed 14-3 by the Mets on Monday, with Ozzie Albies providing the lone offensive highlight with a home run and three RBIs. The series has been tightly contested this season. The teams split a four-game set in Washington from April 20-23, with the Braves winning three of four. In their most recent meeting at Truist Park on May 22-24, Washington took two of three, including a 2-1 victory to close the series. Thursday’s game features a betting line that favors Atlanta by 1.5 runs, with an over/under of 9.5 total runs. The Interstat game simulator projects a 7-6 Braves victory. Following Thursday’s opener, the teams play Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Truist Park. Washington then travels to Philadelphia for four games, while Atlanta hosts Miami for three before a road trip to New York.