After nearly two weeks at home, the Nationals are wrapping up an 11-game stand this afternoon against Pittsburgh, and look like they have a decent chance to finish it 8-3. They lead the Pirates 3-1 in the fifth inning today. Cristian Guzman has tacked on two more hits to his four yesterday, running his team-leading total to 42, and Aaron Boone hit a solo homer in the fourth inning.

Boone is at third base in place of Ryan Zimmerman, who is taking a day off today after starting 205 consecutive games. Zimmerman and manager Manny Acta decided before the season he would take several days off during the season.

"He told me he's not pursuing Cal Ripken's record for consecutive games," Acta said. "It doesn't bother him at all."