Red Hot Nats Win 8th Straight

Michael Morse put Washington ahead with a sixth-inning homer, Ryan Zimmerman also connected, and the Nationals beat the Baltimore Orioles 4-2 Saturday for their eighth
straight victory.

Playing in his fifth game since being activated from the disabled list, Zimmerman had two hits, including a double that ignited a three-run uprising in the sixth. Washington is averaging 7.4 runs since his return.

The Nationals' winning streak is their longest since an eight-game run from Aug. 2-9, 2009.

Jordan Zimmerman (5-6) gave up two runs and eight hits in 6 1-3 innings to win a third consecutive decision. The right-hander has not allowed more than three runs in nine successive starts since April 26.

Adam Jones homered for the Orioles, who have lost six of seven to fall to a season-worst six games under .500 (31-37).

Starter Brian Matusz (1-2) absorbed his second straight loss and left in the sixth inning with cramping in his left hamstring.

The interleague matchup of nearby rivals drew a crowd of 36,614, the second-largest of the season at Nationals Park behind opening day. The teams drew 35,562 fans on Friday night.

With the score tied at 1, the Nationals went ahead for good in the sixth. Zimmerman hit a one-out double and Morse followed with his 13th home run. Ivan Rodriguez added an RBI double off reliever Clay Rapada.

Jones and Ryan Zimmerman both hit solo homers in the first. It was the 10th of the season for Jones and the second for Zimmerman, the first since he was reinstated from the disabled list Tuesday after missing 58 games with a left abdominal tear.