Mark Zuckerman The Washington Times - May 12, 2009, 10:37PM

Ryan Zimmerman extended his hit streak tonight in a fashion that’s become all too familiar over the Nationals’ last 30 games.

Zimmerman lined a single to center field in the first inning off Giants right-hander Matt Cain, the third straight day he recorded in hit in precisely that manner.

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The Nationals slugger is only the seventh player to record a hit streak of at least 30 games this decade. He’s the first third baseman to reach the 30-game mark since George Brett did it in 1980.

There was a smattering of applause at AT&T Park when Zimmerman reached first base following his line-drive single. The ovation would be considerably louder Friday night at Nationals Park if the 24-year-old returns home with the streak intact and at 31 games.

The list of 30-game hit streaks this decade…

Jimmy Rollins (2005-06) 38

Chase Utley (2006) 35

Luis Castillo (2002) 35

Ryan Zimmerman (2009) 30

Moises Alou (2007) 30

Willy Taveras (2006) 30

Albert Pujols (2003) 30