Riggleman says Dunn adamant, doesn't need a day off

The Nationals have lost four straight and seven of their last nine games. During most of this streak, first baseman Adam Dunn has had a cold spell at the plate. Since hitting two homers against the Dodgers August 6, Dunn has gone 7-for-58 (.121), including 0-4 Wednesday with three strikeouts. His last at bat was the most promising, however, when he cranked a deep shot that was caught in right field off of Carlos Marmol to end the game. Manager Jim Riggleman said he spoke with Dunn afterward to see if he wanted a day off. "I just talked to Adam. He is adamant that he doesn't need a day off. He said, 'I am going to get there. I am going to have a big day (Thursday).' That speaks volumes for him and his confidence. "When a player goes through something like this, you feel for him. I don't care who you are. Regardless what your numbers say, your lifetime numbers, the year you are having, it is painful to go through it for a week or ten day period." Ryan Zimmerman says you cannot forget Dunn's 31 homers and 78 RBI already this season. "Adam has had one of the best years of his career. Obviously, the last week or two he has been struggling," said Zimmerman. "He is one of those guys that will do that for a week or two and then he will hit 13 homers in a week or two. "(Dunn) will come out of it and finish strong and end up with the numbers he always ends up with it, like pretty much everyone else does. It is a long season and that is the way it always turns out."