The Colorado Rockies marched into Washington DC on a rainy day with one mission: to hand the Washington Nationals their ninth-consecutive loss while putting together their third set of back-to-back wins in a difficult season. Though the bats went cold for a few innings, they came alive where it mattered. Both teams exchanged multiple home runs, but the Rockies brought the thunder to come out on top.

Palmquist hits a wall, Nationals hit ball over it.

Left-handed rookie starter Carson Palmquist looked sharp through his first three innings. He gave up just one hit while keeping the Nationals off the board with two strikeouts. Palmquist’s outing was derailed after a 38-pitch fourth inning where he walked three batters and the Nationals scored their first run. Palmquist returned to the mound in the fifth inning due to a low pitch count, but the hits kept coming. He gave up a solo home run to rookie Daylen Lile—the first of his career—and a two-run shot to James Wood to give up the Rockies’ lead.

Bullish Bullpen and Dandy Defense

The Rockies bullpen took over in the bottom of the fifth inning after losing the lead, starting with rookie Juan Mejia. Mejia ended the inning and proceeded to pitch a scoreless sixth—with a little help from Mike Honcho. Jordan Beck made a spectacular sliding catch to rob Amed Rosario of extra bases. The Rockies played much needed error-free baseball to avoid shooting themselves in the foot while the bullpen held strong the rest of the way with Jimmy Herget and Victor Vodnik pitching scoreless frames. Seth Halvorsen toed the rubber in the bottom of the ninth, pumping effortless gas to earn his fourth save of the season.

A Few Good Man (Home Runs)

Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman continued his All-Star worthy campaign with another strong night at the plate. He drew first blood by clubbing a two-run home run following a Tyler Freeman single in the top of the first inning. Goodman then kept the Rockies alive by tying the game in the bottom of the ninth with solo home run. It was the first home run allowed by Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan in 44 2⁄3 innings.

Mr. Moniak Goes to Washington

The other hero for the Rockies tonight was right fielder Mickey Moniak. Monaik hit a stand-up triple in the fifth inning and was scored by a single off the bat of the freshly recalled Michael Toglia. He then returned to the plate with a critical at-bat in the top of the ninth inning. With a runner on first and two outs, Moniak took Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan deep to put the Rockies ahead for the victory.

Coming Up Next

The Rockies will be back in action tomorrow night for the second of four against the Nationals. The right-handed Antonio Senzatela will start for the Rockies against Nationals’ righty Michael Soroka. First pitch will be at 4:45 PM MDT.