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Nationals look for sweep against AL's worst

Jun 15, 2008 - 2:28 PM Washington (28-42) at Seattle (24-44) 4:10 pm EDT

SEATTLE (Ticker) -- The Washington Nationals seek their first three-game sweep of the season when they conclude their interleague series against the Seattle Mariners on Sunday.

Tyler Clippard's return was a success for the Nationals, who posted a 5-2 victory over the Mariners on Saturday night. Recalled from Class AAA Columbus to replace injured lefthander Odalis Perez in the rotation, Clippard worked into the seventh inning and allowed two runs and seven hits for his first victory with Washington.

Clippard, who allowed fourth-inning blasts to Jose Vidro and Adrian Beltre, walked three and struck out two in just his second start for the Nationals.

Tim Redding (6-3, 4.29 ERA) will hope to build off that momentum and win his third straight decision. The righthander, who has not lost since May 9, surrendered four runs and eight hits with three strikeouts over six innings, but did not receive a decision during Tuesday's 7-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

He will be opposed by veteran lefthander Jarrod Washburn (2-7, 6.09), who is trying to avoid losing his fourth straight decision.

Washburn is also coming off a no decision, allowing a run and five hits with three walks and four strikeuots over six frames in Monday's 3-2 triumph over the Toronto Blue Jays.