--OF Adam Dunn has successfully reached base in all 13 of the Nationals' games this season, testament both to Dunn's prodigious power and his keen eye at the plate. Dunn has four homers and three doubles already, but he's also drawn an NL-leading 17 walks. His patience at the plate has perhaps inspired the rest of Washington's batters to take a few more pitches. The Nationals average 4.04 pitches per plate appearance, fourth best in the majors. 1B Nick Johnson, who has returned healthy after missing most of the last two seasons, is also one of the game's most patient hitters. "Those two guys alone help big-time," manager Manny Acta said. "And then some of the other guys are maturing and getting better."
--RHP Shairon Martis turned in the latest strong effort by a Nationals starter on Tuesday, allowing two earned runs over six innings against the Braves. Martis' showing represented the fifth quality start by Washington in the last six games. During that span, the rotation has posted a 2.70 ERA. Martis, the first Nationals pitcher to reach two wins this year, has impressed the coaching staff with his control and composure as a 22-year-old rookie. --Acting general manager Mike Rizzo said Sunday that despite the Nationals getting off to a poor start, he still believes manager Manny Acta is doing a good job. "I support Manny Acta, and so does the organization, as manager. He's a good young manager, and I think he's handled this ballclub great," Rizzo said.
BY THE NUMBERS: 3 -- Ninth-inning leads the Nationals blew in a three-game weekend series with the Florida Marlins. Twice, closer Joel Hanrahan gave up game-tying home runs. Hanrahan rested April 19 after having pitched three games in a row, and Saul Rivera allowed a game-tying double to John Baker.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "There are plenty of guys in Triple-A, and we're not going to stop. We're going to make it better, somehow, some way. We're not going to stay here all season with the same guys going down every single day." -- Nationals manager Manny Acta, on the team retooling its bullpen after Washington's 7-4 loss to Florida on April 19.
