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Nationals look to halt skid vs. Rockies

Aug 16, 2008 - 10:11 AM Colorado (55-69) at Washington (44-79) 7:10 p.m. EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The Washington Nationals will look to avoid losing a season-high nine straight for the second time in less than a month when they take on the Colorado Rockies on Saturday.

Owners of baseball's worst record (44-79), the Nationals lost nine consecutive outings from July 22-31. They followed that stretch by winning six-of-seven, including three-of-four at Colorado.

They have dropped eight straight since, managing 14 runs over that span, including three shutouts.

John Lannan (6-11, 3.40) continues to pitch in hard luck for the Nationals. The lefthander ranks 14th in the National League in ERA and has the fifth-most quality starts (17). In large part because of a dreadful 2.88 runs per start, he also ranks tied for third with 11 losses.

The 23-year-old has had to pitch himself to each of his six wins. He has only allowed three total runs in his six wins and has not allowed more than a single run in any of those outings.

The Colorado Rockies hope the second start by Livan Hernandez (0-1, 30.38) is better than his first. The righthander, who was acquired from the Minnesota Twins after being claimed off waivers, allowed nine runs, seven hits and four walks in 2 2/3 innings.

The outing tied his shortest of the season and the nine earned runs was the most he has allowed in a start during his 12-year career.