Washington's winning streak hits 10 games

After meeting on the infield grass for high-fives and back slaps in celebration of their 10th straight victory, the Washington Nationals looked into the stands at RFK Stadium and saw most of the 37,170 spectators on their feet, applauding.

Several players clapped right back -- making for matching standing ovations -- and manager Frank Robinson doffed his cap.

The Nationals completed a 12-1 homestand by beating the Seattle Mariners 3-2 Sunday.

"It's been a long time coming. We feel energized by our situation now," outfielder Brad Wilkerson said. "To walk off and know they recognize what we do is just a great feeling."

Washington stretched its winning streak to 10 games, tying a franchise record and setting a high for the NL this season. The team has swept three straight series and four overall; as the Montreal Expos, the team had three sweeps in all of 2004.

The club has taken to its new digs quite well, going 24-9 at home, the best mark in baseball.

Last season's Expos lost 95 games and finished 29 back in the standings. More than two months into the season, Washington is 37-26, with a 1 1/2-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East.

Cubs pitching update

Cubs right-hander Kerry Wood is scheduled to make two or three rehabilitation starts at Triple-A Iowa, beginning Monday, as he recovers from a sore shoulder.

"He feels great," general manager Jim Hendry said Saturday.

Wood, on the disabled list since May 3, threw a three-inning simulated game of 45 pitches Wednesday and then threw on the side Saturday.

Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano was forced to leave Saturday's game against Boston in the sixth inning with a sprained left big toe after an awkward slide.

--From wire reports