• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Streaking Nationals go for sweep of Braves

Aug 31, 2008 - 8:09 AM Atlanta (59-77) at Washington (51-85) 1:35 p.m. EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The Washington Nationals will attempt to extend their season-long winning streak when they go for a sweep of the struggling Atlanta Braves on Sunday.

Washington, which has won five straight for the first time since it won six in a row from July 31-August 5, 2007, has dominated the division rival in 2008.

Winners of 9-of-13 matchups with the Braves, the Nationals' offense has exploded in their last four wins against Atlanta, tallying 39 runs and 57 hits.

They will look to continue the offensive outburst against Atlanta starter Jair Jurrjens (11-9, 3.56). The righthander has struggled over his last two outings, allowing 12 runs, 10 earned, in eight innings.

Jurrjens was shelled in his last appearance against the Nationals, giving up eight hits and five runs over 6 1/3 innings in an 8-2 defeat.

The Braves have lost 15-of-19, including eight of their last nine on the road.

Washington sends Collin Balester (3-6, 4.70) to the mound for the sweep. The rookie righthander snapped a personal three-game losing streak with five solid innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing five hits and one run.