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Redding, Nationals aim for sweep of Marlins

Sep 5, 2007 - 2:50 PM Florida (60-79) at Washington (62-77) 7:05 pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) - With last place in the National League East behind them, the Washington Nationals aim for a sweep.

Tim Redding takes the mound as the Nationals look to extend a four-game winning streak when they complete a three-game series with the Florida Marlins on Wednesday.

Entering the series tied with the Marlins for last place in the NL East, the Nationals have extended their mastery of their division foe here, beating Florida in six straight games.

The last win came in dramatic fashion, as rookie Jesus Flores hit a game-winning, two-run double off Marlins' closer Kevin Gregg for a 4-3 win on Tuesday.

The Nationals are now one win away from their first sweep since August 3-5 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Overall, Washington is 8-6 against Florida this season, including 6-2 here.

Redding (3-5, 3.27 ERA) will attempt to extend the momentum. The righthander has lost his last two starts, including Friday's 3-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants. He allowed three runs and five hits in only 3 2/3 innings.

Sergio Mitre (5-8, 4.57) takes the hill for Florida, which has lost 18 of its last 25 games to fall into the NL East basement.

Mitre has been a main contributor to the team's struggles, going 0-3 with a 10.35 ERA over his last four outings.