Mitchell Parker allowed just one run and five hits over seven innings, Luis García Jr. hit a three-run homer, and the Washington Nationals defeated the Colorado Rockies 6-1 on Wednesday night.
James Wood had three hits for the Nationals, who had struggled recently but bounced back with this win. Keibert Ruiz and Andrés Chaparro also added two hits each.
“We were having better at-bats today,” said Nationals manager Dave Martinez. “The goal was to stay patient and not force things. We managed to score some runs, and it worked out well.”
Parker (7-7), who had a rough game last time out, walked one and struck out six while throwing 83 pitches. This was his fourth start of seven innings out of 23 this season.
“Learn from past performances and keep improving,” Parker said. “That’s what we’re focusing on.”
Brendan Rodgers and Brenton Doyle each had a double and a single for the Rockies, with Rodgers driving in their only run.
Rockies rookie starter Tanner Gordon (0-5) gave up five runs on eight hits in four innings, raising his ERA to 7.55.
“My fastball command wasn’t as good as usual,” Gordon said. “It’s usually one of my strengths, but I didn’t have it tonight.”
Rockies reliever Jeff Criswell made his major league debut and pitched a scoreless inning, allowing one hit.
Joey Gallo’s RBI double put Washington ahead 1-0 in the second inning.
The Nationals expanded their lead in the third inning. Alex Call led off with a single, Wood followed with another single to move Call to third, and Ruiz’s single scored Call. García then homered to center on a 1-0 pitch, making it 5-0.
