WASHINGTON — The Washington Nationals closed their four-game series against the Colorado Rockies on a high note Thursday, beating Colorado 7-1 behind a strong offensive performance and timely pitching.
The victory allowed Washington to split the series after a difficult stretch in which the Nationals had lost 12 of their previous 15 games. The win was also notable because Washington prevailed with a starting pitcher other than Cade Cavalli for the first time since Aug. 9.
Lile sparks the Nationals' offense
Daylen Lile was at the center of Washington's offensive attack. The young outfielder collected three hits, including a solo home run, and drove in two runs.
Keibert Ruiz also provided power, hitting a two-run homer that helped Washington build a comfortable advantage. Brady House added a double and two RBIs, while Jacob Young contributed a double, a single, a walk and two stolen bases.
The Nationals scored twice in the first inning and never surrendered the lead. Their offense continued to create opportunities throughout the afternoon before putting the game away late.
Pitching holds Colorado in check
Washington's pitching staff also delivered when it mattered.
Starter Jake Irvin worked 4⅓ innings, allowing one run while striking out six. His biggest challenge was command: Irvin issued six walks and also hit a batter.
But the Nationals' bullpen took control after his departure. Tom Cosgrove earned the victory after Washington's relievers combined for 4⅔ scoreless innings.
That relief performance proved especially important because Colorado repeatedly threatened to extend the game.
Rockies leave too many runners stranded
Colorado had plenty of opportunities but repeatedly failed to capitalize.
The Rockies drew nine walks and collected five hits, yet scored only once. They went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and stranded 13 runners.
Colorado mounted several threats, including one with the bases loaded, but Washington repeatedly escaped without allowing the damage to become decisive.
The Rockies' inability to convert those opportunities ultimately kept the Nationals comfortably ahead.
Ruiz delivers the late blow
Washington added insurance in the eighth inning, when Ruiz launched his two-run homer.
The Nationals then added another run during the late innings to turn the game into a decisive 7-1 victory. Orlando Ribalta closed out the ninth inning to secure the win for Washington.
The victory gave the Nationals something positive to take from a series that had otherwise been uneven.
A much-needed win for Washington
The Nationals entered the finale having endured a rough stretch of baseball. Their recent struggles had made consistency a major concern, particularly after the team lost three of its previous four games against Colorado.
The 7-1 victory did not erase those problems, but it provided an important response.
Washington showed better offensive execution, received enough from its pitching staff and avoided the defensive and situational mistakes that had contributed to recent losses.
The win also demonstrated the value of young players such as Lile, who continued to provide production at a time when the Nationals need contributions from across the roster.
Rockies' struggles continue
For Colorado, the loss continued a difficult season.
The Rockies fell to 52-82 and were unable to win the four-game series despite taking two of the first three games. Their inability to bring runners home became the defining issue of the finale.
Colorado's pitching also struggled to contain Washington's lineup. Starter Gabriel Hughes allowed four runs over five innings and remained winless in his latest outing.
Nationals leave with momentum
Washington will leave the series with a split rather than a sweep, but Thursday's performance offered a needed reminder of what the team can do when its offense and pitching work together.
Lile's three-hit game, Ruiz's power and a scoreless effort from the bullpen gave the Nationals a convincing victory when they needed one.
The 7-1 result will not change the broader picture of Washington's season, but it gave the Nationals a positive finish to a challenging series — and perhaps a small spark heading into the final weeks of the regular season.