Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals Live Blog: Reactions and Analysis

The Washington Nationals answered the call Friday evening, defeating the Colorado Rockies 2-1 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

Friday night’s victory marks three-straight wins for the Nationals.

From the get-go, Stephen Strasburg was too much to handle.

Strasburg was a flamethrower all evening, striking out nine batters and allowing only one run. The lone run came by way of a ground ball into left from DJ LeMahieu.

While Strasburg was phenomenal, Tyler Chatwood showed why he is a rising star in baseball.

Prior to being replaced by Manny Corpas before the seventh, Chatwood allowed only four hits and one run. Subsequently—right after Corpas replaced Chatwood—Ian Desmond smashed one into the stands to put the Nationals up, 2-1.

Why did Walt Weiss pull Chatwood so early? Did he lack confidence in Chatwood after giving up a run in the sixth?

No doubt, the tide definitely shifted when he left the mound.

Although the Rockies now find themselves one game under .500, getting such a dominate contribution from Chatwood has to be heartwarming. In eight games this season, the 23-year-old has a stealth-like ERA of 2.22.

The Rockies have a gem on their hands in Chatwood, and they’d be smart not to let him go.

For the Nationals, their pitching staff is slowly but surely getting back to basics.

Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmerman and Stephen Strasburg pummeled opponents in their outings during the week, thus serving as a sign of good things to come for Nats fans.  

With outfielder Bryce Harper preparing for his upcoming rehab assignment, the Nationals’ lineup will soon be reinvigorated to levels that have been untapped this season.

With Ian Desmond slugging the way he has of late and the all-around efficient play of Ryan Zimmerman and Anthony Rendon, one thing is for certain—the Nationals will make a run before the all-star break.

If the past three games have been any indication, the best is yet to come.