Nationals starters extend scoreless innings streak to 34 1/3 innings

Everyone knew the Washington Nationals boasted one of the best starting rotations in baseball heading into the season, but the staff is exceeding expectations with its current run of dominance.

Nationals starting pitchers extended their consecutive scoreless innings streak to 34 1/3 with eight shutout frames from Jordan Zimmermann on Wednesday night against the Atlanta Braves. The 34 1/3 shutout innings is a modern franchise record (2005-present), and the staff will have the chance to match the all-time franchise mark of 39 consecutive scoreless frames set by the 1981 Montreal Expos on Thursday in the series finale with the Braves.

Joe Ross, Max Scherzer, Gio Gonzalez, Stephen Strasburg, and Zimmermann have all contributed to the fabulous run, but the highlight, of course, was Scherzer's no-hitter last Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Nationals will send right-hander Doug Fister to the hill Thursday opposite Braves' youngster Matt Wisler.