The Colorado Rockies slugged their way to 12 runs, including four home runs in Tuesday night’s rain-delayed game against the Washington Nationals, and still lost. Colorado put up runs in seven of nine innings, but couldn’t overcome an early 7-0 deficit, ultimately falling 15-12 in a game that lasted three hours and 26 minutes and was delayed by an hour and six minutes to start.
Carlos Gonzalez, Mark Reynolds, Charlie Blackmon and Gerardo Parra all went deep for Colorado, nearly half of the Rockies’ nine extra-base hits on the night. Blackmon was 3-for-5 with 3 RBIs, and DJ LeMahieu had three hits and a pair of runs scored in the loss. Bud Black emptied his bench and Cristhian Adames was the only Rockies position player without a hit on the night. It was the fifth game in a row that Colorado has scored six or more runs, and the fourth in a row with eight or more. Still, it was not enough to overcome Washington’s powerful offense and a tough first outing of the year for German Marquez.
Marquez was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to fill the void left by Jon Gray, who is out at least six weeks with a left foot injury. Marquez gave up eight runs, all earned, over four innings pitched to suffer the loss. Trea Turner hit for the cycle for the Nationals and drove in seven of Washington’s 15 runs. It was the second time Colorado had allowed an opposing player to hit for the cycle at Coors Field this year. Wil Myers did it for San Diego earlier this month. Daniel Murphy was 3-for-5 with five RBIs. Enny Romero pitched 1.1 innings of scoreless relief to earn the win for Washington.
The Rockies and Nationals continue their four-game series on Wednesday night at Coors Field. Tanner Roark (2-0, 3.65) gets the nod for Washington. Tyler Chatwood (2-2, 4.10) will start for Colorado.
