Rockies Roll Past Nationals in Strong Offensive Showing
The Rockies struck first in the opening frame, when catcher Hunter Goodman belted a two‑run homer to left-center, driving in Tyler Freeman and giving Colorado a swift 2–0 lead. Goodman’s 12th long ball of the season set the tone early, as pitcher Carson Palmquist settled in after that fireworks display. The Nationals’ Jake Irvin responded by keeping his team in the game, limiting further damage with strong composure. Despite the burst from Colorado, Washington’s defense remained alert, signaling an intense battle ahead.
In the fourth inning, Washington began its comeback with a sacrifice fly by Amed Rosario, scoring CJ Abrams and narrowing the score to 2–1. Colorado’s Michael Toglia then delivered a single in the fifth inning, allowing Mickey Moniak to score and extending the Rockies’ lead to 3–1. The Nationals then responded with power as Daylen Lile launched his first career homer to right field, cutting the Rockies’ advantage to 3–2. Moments later in the same inning, James Wood crushed his 18th homer of the season, bringing in two runs and flipping the scoreboard in favor of Washington at 4–3.
With their backs against the wall, the Rockies came back in a dramatic ninth inning. Goodman stepped up again and launched a solo homer to center, his 13th of the season, tying the game at 4–4 and electrifying the Colorado dugout. The home run proved to be a momentum shift, as Moniak followed with a massive two‑run shot to right-center, giving Colorado a decisive 6–4 lead. The game showcased Colorado’s resilience under pressure.
Palmquist earned the win, delivering 4.2 innings of two-run ball, peppered with a homer allowed but supported by key strikeouts to limit the Nationals’ offense. Shutting the door the rest of the way, he combined for 3.1 scoreless relief innings. On the Washington side, Irvin battled through six innings, surrendering three runs while striking out five, but was undone by the Rockies’ late offensive grit. The Nationals’ bullpen couldn’t contain Colorado’s ninth‑inning fire, and the team couldn’t recover from surrendering the lead.
Goodman was the hero of the night, finishing two for four with two homers, four RBI, and his late clutch performance elevating the Rockies to victory. Moniak delivered timely power as well with a triple earlier and a homer, which finalized a two-for-four night with one RBI. On Washington’s side, Wood and Lile both launched homers, but their efforts in the middle innings couldn’t offset the Rockies’ late punch. Colorado’s ability to rally late underscores their determination, while Washington must reflect on missed opportunities despite flashes of power.
