Atlanta fans finally get a chance to see rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg up close and in person when he starts tonight for the Washington Nationals against the Braves at Turner Field, the first game in a three-game series.

Strasburg was promoted to the majors earlier this month from Triple-A Syracuse, right before his next scheduled start would have been at the Gwinnett Braves.

This season, Strasburg has lived up to the hype. In four starts, Strasburg (2-1, 1.78 ERA) has allowed only five earned runs in 25 innings pitched. In his last outing, Strasburg took the loss against Kansas City, despite allowing only one earned run.

Strasburg’s first start of the season June 8 was a 14-strikeout performance with only four hits allowed against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In the series opener against the Nationals, Atlanta will send Tim Hudson (7-3, 2.54 ERA) to the mound. Hudson is looking to rebound from the four earned runs and loss he took at the Chicago White Sox last week.

On Tuesday, Derek Lowe (9-5, 4.42) will pitch for Atlanta.

TRACK: The Lanier Running Club’s All-Comers track meet is for runners of all ages. Organizers hope that the summer’s finale is the biggest meet held this month.

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, the championship meet will be held at Gainesville High. Events include jumps, shot put, hurdles and running events from 50-meters for young children up to the 3,200-meter.

Runners as young as 3 take part in the events and the organizers hope to draw between 60-100 athletes for the final meet.

Medals will be awarded to top finishers in the races.

GWINNETT BRAVES: The G-Braves wrap up a series at the Columbus Clippers today. Gwinnett (34-42) currently sits in last place in the International League’s Southern division. Gwinnett has struggled hitting the ball for much of the season, but the team is starting to turn things around.

On Tuesday, it’s on to Toledo to face the Mud Hens for a four-game set at Fifth-Third Stadium.