Season-High Home Run Barrage During Rockies vs. Nationals Matchup
June 18th, 2025, marked the sixth home game in a row for the Nationals, and the third in this four-game set at Nationals Park, with the Rockies winning with a narrow 3‑1 lead. Colorado won the previous night 10‑6, blasting a franchise‑record‑tying seven home runs with two from Michael Toglia, plus blasts by Hunter Goodman, Thairo Estrada, Ryan McMahon, Sam Hilliard, and Mickey Moniak. That barrage came largely in an explosive six-run seventh inning, showcasing Colorado’s unexpected power and giving them their third straight win, only their second three‑game streak this season. On the flip side, Washington labored through its 10th straight loss, weakened by bullpen breakdowns and a lopsided ERA that season, while rookie third baseman Brady House recorded his first MLB hits and RBI.
Colorado's offense has looked more like that of a contender in recent games. In just two nights, they’ve cranked 10 homers on the road, a franchise first, joining an impressive group of sluggers in the power parade. The deadly combination of long balls and timely extra-base hits, like Estrada tying the game in the second inning and McMahon slamming a seventh‑inning shot, underscored how this lineup can puncture any pitching staff. With seven homers in one game, including back‑to‑back blasts twice in a single inning, Colorado sent a jolting reminder that they’re not to be underestimated, even in a season defined by struggles.
Washington has hit a rough patch, dropping 10 straight and 13 of 15 games this June, thanks in part to shaky relievers and inconsistent offense. Their bullpen completely unraveled in that seven-run seventh inning Tuesday, allowing four homers and delivering the decisive blow. Still, there’s a silver lining. Brady House, their top prospect, tallied his first two MLB hits and drove in his first run Tuesday night. Also, veterans like James Wood and Luis García Jr. chipped in with late homers, hinting that the Nats’ bats aren’t entirely dormant. But unless the bullpen regains stability, Washington will continue to bleed games.
With Colorado’s win, 3–1 in today’s contest, the tone has been set. Rockies starter Antonio Senzatela rebounded with five solid innings opposite Michael Soroka, who struck out nine but still coughed up five hits and three runs. Colorado's bullpen, including Seth Halvorsen, shut the door late for their fourth straight save. For Washington to snap the skid, they’ll need consistent innings from Soroka’s bullpen and more offense beyond the homers. Meanwhile, the Rockies will try to ride their red-hot bats and sharpened relief corps to sweep. If this contest stays close, it might come down to which pen buckles first.
