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Nationals go for season-high fifth straight win vs. Braves

Aug 30, 2008 - 10:15 AM Atlanta (59-76) at Washington (50-85) 7:10 p.m. EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The Washington Nationals will look to add a positive note to a negative season when they attempt to win their fifth consecutive game on Saturday. The Atlanta Braves appear to be playing out the string.

The Nationals tied a season high with their fourth straight win on Friday, beating the Braves, 7-3, behind two RBI apiece from Ryan Zimmerman and Lastings Milledge. It marked the first multiple-RBI game since a return from the disabled list on July 22 for Zimmerman, who is batting .333 (11-for-33) over the past eight games.

The lowest-scoring team in the majors at 511 runs in 135 games, Washington players have crossed the plate 18 times in the past two games.

The Braves have dropped 14 of their last 18 and are allowing 6.7 runs per game over that span.

Jo-Jo Reyes (3-10, 5.34 ERA) will get the call for the Braves. The 23-year-old lefthander has not earned a win since June 13, posting an 0-6 record with a 6.35 ERA in his last nine appearances - eight starts.

Reyes was demoted to the minors at the end of July and has made two starts since his return, going 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA.

The Nationals will counter with righthander Jason Bergmann (2-10, 4.56). The 26-year-old has gotten knocked around of late, allowing 18 runs - 13 earned - in 15 2/3 innings over his last three starts.

He made his lone relief appearance of the season against Atlanta on July 18, yielding one run and two hits in two innings.