Roark going for team-high 13th win

By Dan Kolko

Nationals

August 31, 2014, 9:03am

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SEATTLE - Right-hander Tanner Roark goes for his team-high 13th victory this afternoon as the Nationals try to sweep the Seattle Mariners in a three-game series.

The last time the Nats swept the Mariners was in June 2011. After sealing their 12th win in 13 games, manager Jim Riggleman shockingly resigned, upset that general manager Mike Rizzo wouldn't discuss an extension of his one-year contract.

No chance of that happening today. Matt Williams will get on the plane to Los Angeles. At 20 games above .500 and in first place in the National League East, the Nats are firmly focused on lengthening their lead over second-place Atlanta and clinching their second division title in three years.

Jayson Werth is today's designated hitter, since the Nats are playing in an American League park, with Nate Schierholtz taking over in right field.

For the Nationals
CF Denard Span
3B Anthony Rendon
DH Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
LF Bryce Harper
C Wilson Ramos
2B Asdrubal Cabrera
RF Nate Schierholtz

For the Mariners
CF Austin Jackson
LF Dustin Ackley
2B Robinson Cano
1B Kendrys Morales
3B Kyle Seager
DH Chris Denorfia
RF Endy Chavez
C Mike Zunino
SS Brad Miller
RHP Hisashi Iwakuma