Nationals Beat Mariners and Extend Streak to Nine

WASHINGTON — Jose Guillen’s bases-loaded single broke a seventh-inning tie and propelled the Washington Nationals to their ninth consecutive victory, 2-1 over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night.

John Patterson (3-1) gave up one run and six hits in seven innings to win for the first time since April 26, a span of six starts.

The Nationals’ winning streak is the franchise’s longest since the Montreal Expos won 10 straight in June 1997. Washington improved to 12-1 on a 14-game homestand that concludes today. The Nationals have won seven straight home series.

“This has been an unbelievable run. And we do, we find a way every night to win a ballgame,” Patterson said.

Chad Cordero pitched the ninth for his 18th save.

Seattle starter Jamie Moyer frustrated the Nationals with an assortment of off-speed pitches over six innings -- giving up a run and four hits -- but Washington got to reliever J.J. Putz (1-2) in the seventh.

With one out, the Nationals loaded the bases on a pinch-hit single by Carlos Baerga and walks to Brad Wilkerson and pinch-hitter Ryan Church. Guillen worked the count to 2-and-2 before hitting a single to short center that scored pinch-runner Tony Blanco.

“All of a sudden, he couldn’t find the strike zone,” Seattle Manager Mike Hargrove said of Putz. “He finally gathered himself, but it was a day late and a dollar short.”

A crowd of 39,108 pushed the Nationals past 1 million fans on their 32nd home game.