Span's hit streak at 29, one from Nats' mark

By Tom Schad and Bill Ladson

September 18, 2013

WASHINGTON -- Outfielder Denard Span extended his hitting streak to 29 consecutive games during the Nationals' 5-2 loss to the Braves on Wednesday night.

Span's streak is a game short of the Nats' record set by Ryan Zimmerman in 2009. It's also the longest hitting streak in the Majors this season. In the seventh inning, during his last at-bat of the game, Span singled to right field off reliever Luis Ayala. However, Span was erased on a fielder's choice by Zimmerman.

"I was definitely pumped to extend it. The first three at-bats were against a tough pitcher -- [Alex] Wood. He is tough to pick up from a lefty," Span said. "Once Ayala came in there, I was able to see the ball a little bit better. I just buckled down. I wanted to get it and I did."

During the streak, Span is hitting .374 with five doubles, two triples, two home runs and nine RBIs.

On Thursday against the Marlins, Span has a chance to become the first player since Dan Uggla and Andre Ethier in 2011 to reach a 30-game hitting streak.

Tom Schad is an associate reporter for MLB.com. Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the time. He also could be found on Twitter @WashingNats.