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Orioles-Nationals Preview

May 21, 2010 - 4:57 AM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

Baltimore (13-28) at Washington (21-20), 7:05 p.m. EDT

Though the Washington Nationals didn't get everything right in their last series, some promising production at the plate can at least offer them some solace.

The Nationals kick off interleague play hoping their lineup can build some momentum Friday night as they host a Baltimore Orioles team coming off its worst pitching performance of the season.

Washington is reeling (21-21) entering a three-game series against its neighbors to the north, losing six of seven. Some strong hitting in a two-game set with New York, though, gives the Nationals reason for hope.

Washington split the series, scoring 12 runs with cleanup hitter Adam Dunn back in the lineup. Dunn missed three games due to an undisclosed ailment.

The Nationals were held to 10 runs in losing five games prior to facing the Mets.

Dunn has three homers and nine RBIs in his last four games versus the Orioles (13-29), who own the majors' worst record and are looking to rebound from a terrible performance on the mound.

Baltimore surrendered 20 hits in a 13-7 loss to Texas on Thursday night. Losers of five of six, the Orioles will now give the ball to David Hernandez (0-5, 5.84 ERA).

The right-hander skipped his scheduled turn in the rotation Sunday due to shoulder discomfort, but he reported no problems after throwing a side session Tuesday. In his last start, Hernandez gave up five runs and walked four in 5 2-3 innings of a 5-1 loss to Seattle on May 11.

Hernandez has lost his last 11 decisions, the longest active skid in the majors. He has faced the Nationals once, suffering a loss after surrendering three runs and eight hits in 5 2-3 innings as the Orioles were defeated 5-3 on June 28.

Washington will counter with Scott Olsen (2-1, 3.15), who is 2-0 with a 1.11 ERA in his last five starts, striking out 25 in 32 1-3 innings without allowing a home run. The left-hander gave up one run in 6 2-3 innings of a 2-1 loss to Colorado on Sunday.

In Olsen's only start against the Orioles, he gave up three runs in 7 1-3 innings for Florida in an 8-5, 10-inning win June 22, 2006.

He'll be facing a Baltimore lineup that just had one of its best games of the year. The Orioles' 15 hits were two shy of a season high, set in a 7-6 win over Boston on April 24.

Luke Scott got his second start of the season at first base and had three hits to lead Baltimore. Regular first baseman Garrett Atkins is in an 0-for-14 slump, and has no homers and six RBIs.

"I don't think anybody could disagree that we have to do something to try and get some run production out of that position," manager Dave Trembley told the Orioles' official website.

Scott will likely remain at first base as the Orioles lose the designated hitter while playing at Washington under National League rules. Scott, who has been mostly a DH this year, is 18 for 34 (.529) with five homers and 11 RBIs over his last nine games, raising his average from .186 to .283.

He has three homers in his last four road games versus the Nationals. Baltimore went 4-2 against Washington last season.