Clippard feeling confident, no matter opponent

WASHINGTON -- Heading into Friday night's matchup with the Braves, Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard had surrendered at least one run in eight of his previous nine appearances against Atlanta over the past two seasons.

But when the right-hander entered in the top of the 11th inning Friday night, he retired the Braves in order, including strikeouts of Jason Heyward, who had hit a two-run double earlier in the game, and Chris Johnson, who tallied three RBIs in Atlanta's 3-0 win on Thursday.

"I've been feeling good on the mound," said Clippard, who went 25 straight appearances without giving up an earned run before June 17. "It doesn't really matter what team it is. I feel comfortable throwing the fastball for strikes, pretty much where I want to, for the most part. That just gives you confidence against anybody, when you're able to do that."