Washington @ Baltimore preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 23, 2012 ) Washington 3, Baltimore 1

The Baltimore Orioles are frigid at the plate as they conclude a three-game home series against the nearby Washington Nationals on Sunday. The Nationals won 3-1 on Saturday to even the series at 1-1 and further Baltimore’s offensive woes. The Orioles have scored just six runs while losing four of their last five games, with Adam Jones’ homer representing Saturday’s lone run. Washington has allowed just seven runs over the last four games.

The Nationals increased their National League East lead to 3 1/2 games over the New York Mets and four games over the Atlanta Braves with the victory. Washington is 10-7 in interleague play to clinch a winning record for the second successive season. Baltimore slipped 2 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East. The Orioles lead the majors with 63 errors and the shaky defense is magnified when Baltimore isn’t producing at the plate.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, Mid-Atlantic Sports Network 2 (Washington), Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Ross Detwiler (4-3, 3.34) vs. Orioles RH Jake Arrieta (3-9, 5.83)

Detwiler is starting for the first time since May 25. He was 3-3 with a 3.38 ERA in nine starts before making his last six appearances in relief. Detwiler gave up season highs for runs (six) and hits (nine) in five innings while losing to the Orioles on May 19. He is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in three career starts against Baltimore.

Arrieta has lost seven of his last eight decisions. He lost to the New York Mets in his last outing when he gave up four runs and six hits in seven innings. Arrieta struck out nine in seven innings and gave up one run and six hits while taking a no-decision against Washington on May 18. He is 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA in three career starts against the Nationals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals closer Tyler Clippard converted his 12th consecutive save opportunity Saturday. He has thrown 15 1/3 scoreless innings and allowed just two hits over his last 16 appearances.

2. Baltimore’s Chris Davis is hitless in his last 28 at-bats to see his average drop from .308 on June 14 to .273.

3. Washington third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is 5-for-48 over the last 12 games and batting just .167 with four RBIs in June.