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Surging Brewers go for fifth straight win

Aug 10, 2008 - 7:08 AM Washington (44-73) at Milwaukee (66-51) 2:05 p.m. EDT

MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- The Milwaukee Brewers are taking aim at their first playoff berth since 1982 by adding strong starting pitching to a core of young home run hitters.

The Brewers will go for their fifth straight win and third straight shutout when they host the lowly Washington Nationals on Sunday.

CC Sabathia kicked off the four-game series with a five-hit shutout Friday and Ben Sheets matched the effort on Saturday in a 6-0 victory. Corey Hart, Ray Durham and J.J. Hardy each hit solo homers to back Sheets.

Overall, the Milwaukee pitching staff has allowed four runs in the span, with the bullpen forced to log just four innings.

Manny Parra (9-5, 4.18 ERA) will take his turn on Sunday. The 25-year-old lefthander has lost his last three starts, allowing 14 runs in 17 1/3 total frames.

Parra got into a dugout skirmish with 270-pound first baseman Prince Fielder after allowing six runs at Cincinnati on Monday. Fielder twice shoved the 200-pound hurler before they were separated. Fielder later apologized.

The Nationals, who own the worst record in the major leagues, will counter with rookie John Lannan (6-11, 3.55). The lefthander has had trouble finding run support , allowing three runs or less in 10 starts without earning a win.