A sick Tim Hudson wasn't sad to learn that the final game in Colorado had been postponed due to 2 inches of snow covering the field.

One day later, temperatures in the upper 70's in our Nation's Capital and Tim Hudson one more day removed from the nasty cold and flu-like symptoms he's been feeling pitched about as well as anyone could. Escobar's late-in-the game solo homerun proved all the Braves would need as Hudson simply dominated the last-place Nationals to end the Braves 3-game losing streak.

Matt Diaz also made a contribution with two out and the bases-loaded in the 9th by dropping a single in Center Field and scoring 2.

Peter Moylan looked terrific as he closed out the game striking out two and facing the minimum in the 9th.

The Braves are 2 1/2 back in the NL East.

Smoltz starts Saturday at Noon Central Time.

I'll show a batting average update and standings report after the game!

As always, check out the updated pitching efficiency (EFF) updated after each game.

Hudson's 8 strong innings dropped his ERA after 3 starts to 2.14 and he's the first this season to win 2 games.