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Nationals, Orioles to finish up Beltway battle

May 18, 2008 - 2:23 PM Washington (18-26) at Baltimore (23-19) 1:35 pm EDT

BALTIMORE (Ticker) -- The Baltimore Orioles will be seeking a sweep when they host the Washington Nationals on Sunday in the finale of the "Beltway Series."

The Orioles have been surging lately, sweeping a two-game series from the Boston Red Sox before grabbing the first two games of this three-game set against the regional-rival Nationals.

Nick Markakis homered and drove in three runs in Saturday's victory to help stake the club to a 6-2 lead. Washington battled back with three runs in the eighth inning, but righthander Jim Johnson struck out Austin Kearns with the bases loaded to end the threat and secure Baltimore a 6-5 win.

Jeremy Guthrie (2-3, 4.18 ERA) gets the start for the Orioles in Sunday's finale. Baltimore's Opening Day starter, Guthrie has picked up the win in two of his last three starts, including Tuesday against Boston when he allowed three runs - two earned - and eight hits in six innings while striking out seven.

Guthrie faced the Nationals twice last season - his first campaign as a full-time starter - and did not earn a decision either time despite allowing just two runs in 14 combined innings while striking out 15.

Washington will counter with rookie lefthander John Lannan (3-4, 3.74). The 23-year-old has struggled with his consistency this season, allowing four or more runs three times while surrendering two or less in his other five starts.

He yielded four runs and 12 hits in six innings Tuesday to suffer a loss at the New York Mets.