SAN FRANCISCO -- Ryan Zimmerman and the Nationals keep going in opposite directions.On the night that Zimmerman extended his hitting streak to 30 games, the longest in the big leagues in two years, the Nationals lost their third in a row, a gut-wrenching 9-7 loss to the Giants. They took a 7-6 lead into the ninth, but Pablo Sandoval hit a three-run homer.
If Zimmerman and the Nats keep their current trajectories, it could start to get awkward in the Washington clubhouse. For now, Zimmerman said he's more focused on the team than his own streak.
"I could care less about individual stuff," Zimmerman said after Tuesday's game. "The individual stuff is nice because I'm helping the team have a chance to win."
Zimmerman lined a single into center field in the first inning, the 14th time in the streak that he's gotten a hit in his first plate appearance. He had another hit in his next at-bat, finishing 2-for-5. During the streak he's hitting .382.
"Honestly it's fun," Zimmerman said. "I'm enjoying the ride, but there is a long way to go before all the other significant stuff. It's fun, something I never experienced before. I wish we could win a few more than we lose, but I'm trying to keep doing what I'm doing."
Zimmerman said the difference this season from past years is that he's kept a more consistent approach at the plate.
"In years past I'd have a bad game or two and get away from [my swing]," he said. "This year I know what I do well and what I don't do well, and I'm doing a better job of setting myself up to my strength."
Wednesday Zimmerman and the Nats will face Barry Zito in a 3:45 PM ET start. Zimmerman is 2-for-8 with a triple against Zito.
