Clippard discusses his early struggles, issues with Braves

ATLANTA - It could easily be argued that Tyler Clippard was one of the more dominant late-inning relievers in the league last season.

Clippard posted a 2.41 ERA in 72 games, had a 3.04-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and allowed just 37 hits in 71 innings.

Yeah, 37 hits allowed in 71 innings.

This season, things haven't started so smoothly for Clippard. The Nationals right-hander has allowed four runs in seven appearances, has already walked four batters and has surrendered two homers.

Two of the runs Clippard has let in have been against the Braves, who have given him fits of late. Dating to the beginning of last season, Clippard has now allowed nine runs on 11 hits in 8 1/3 innings against Atlanta, leaving him with a 9.72 ERA in that span against the Nats' top rival.

"I mean, I don't know," Clippard said last night when asked why he thinks the Braves have been able to get to him recently. "Yeah, they know me. They know me well. But I think it just comes down to I haven't really executed the way I needed to against these guys in particular. There's no real rhyme or reason, it's just kind of coincidental, I think. It's just one of those things."

Despite Clippard's slow start to the season, manager Matt Williams hasn't shied away from tossing the righty into a boatload of ballgames. Clippard's seven appearances this season - due largely to the fact the Nats have been in so many close games - tie for the most in the majors.

Williams expressed confidence in Clippard last night, saying that every pitcher goes through rough patches during a season and that the Nats will continue to lean on Clippard as a key late-inning reliever going forward.

For his part, Clippard says he thinks his stuff has been good so far this season, the numbers just haven't been what he'd like them to be.

"Obviously, the results aren't there, but I feel good," Clippard said. "I'm making good pitches and the occasional home run, unfortunately, is kind of part of who I am. These outings I've been in this year - tie games, one-run games - a few walks here and there have hurt me, but overall, it hasn't been that far off. Just trying to stay the course and basically stick to my game and the results will come.

"I'm not worried about that, it's just frustrating, especially against these guys (the Braves) and the games that we've been in to not get the results."