National League-worst Washington had been playing better recently, taking two of three from both the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays before dropping the first two games in its series with the Boston Red Sox. Washington won, 9-3, Thursday night against Boston and is 6-9 in interleague play, including 1-2 against the Orioles. The Nationals have the worst team ERA and fielding percentage in the NL. Slugger Adam Dunn, who's among the league leaders in home runs, RBIs and walks, has struggled with a sore wrist that kept him out of the lineup Wednesday. Star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman has cooled off, his batting average dropping from .323 to below .297 since June 9. Right-hander Mike MacDougal is 2-for-2 in save opportunities since becoming the latest Washington pitcher to be given a shot at the closer's role. The Nationals called up reliever Tyler Clippard this week and designated veteran Kip Wells for assignment.
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