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Lannan, Nationals hope to keep impressive streaks going

May 2, 2008 - 1:51 PM Pittsburgh (11-17) at Washington (12-17) 7:35 pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) - After a horrible beginning to the season, the Washington Nationals have turned things around with solid starting pitching. John Lannan has headed that effort.

Lannan hopes to guide the Nationals to their season-high fifth straight win on Friday when they continue their four-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Washington has won seven of its last nine, thanks in large part to the contribution of its rotation. The Nationals' starting pitchers have registered a 2.78 ERA during that stretch, including Odalis Perez's strong performance in Thursday's 3-2 series-opening win over Pittsburgh.

Lannan (2-2, 2.64 ERA) has done more than his share to contribute to Washington's solid pitching lately, as he is 2-0 with a 0.45 ERA over his last three starts, striking out 18 in 20 innings. Even more impressive - the lefthander is in the midst of a 19-inning scoreless streak.

Phil Dumatrait (0-1, 3.92 ERA) will have the unenviable task of trying to outduel Lannan in his first start of the season as he takes the place of Matt Morris, who was released Sunday.

The lefthander, who was acquired off waivers from Cincinnati after last season, has pitched well in 10 relief appearances for the Pirates, including his final relief warmup on Wednesday. He allowed two runs - one earned - over four frames, striking out five in a 8-4 loss to Philadelphia.

However, he'll have to overcome his brief but dreadful history as a starter. Dumatrait made all six of his career starts for the Reds last season, going 0-4 with a 15.00 ERA.