Two teams enjoying better play collide when Nats, Rockies meet

washington nationals Checked off an item from the to-do list over the weekend

Now there’s one more thing they’d like to accomplish colorado rockies Visit for the opening three-game series on Monday night

Washington had not won a series all season or since August 2021 until winning three games from the San Francisco Giants. next, citizens Will try to keep the winning streak together in four matches for the first time this year

“If everything goes well, we will come out and win and we will have another victory.” citizens Manager Dave Martinez reiterated this concept, saying that he approaches each game individually.

Colorado was also going to sweep the series on Sunday, but things didn’t work out. of rocks Used six pitchers in a 3-2, 10-inning loss to Miami

Even then, of rocks Are 5-3 since the All-Star break

of rocks And citizens Two of the worst records in the National League, but recent results suggest these teams are on the rise.

“This group of players, from day one until now, has been a group of players who have fought till the very end,” of rocks said manager Bud Black. “It’s a tribute to him.

citizens There are several positive developing trends. Chief among them is the performance of first baseman Dominique Smith, who has nine RBIs this month after recording four throughout June.

Smith’s presence has boosted young shortstop CJ Abrams, who has had at least one RBI in each of his last three games and three multi-hit games in his last four games.

Martinez said there has been a good mix on and off the field.

“(Smith) has taken CJ under his wing and is trying to help him as much as he can,” Martinez said.

Four of Colorado’s last six games have been decided by one run.

of rocks Outfielder Randall Grichuk, who homered Sunday, has an RBI performance in four of his last five games, though he missed a week during that span.

Kris Bryant of Colorado did not play on Sunday after injuring his right index finger on Saturday. Black said Bryant is listed as day-to-day.

Based on how last weekend went, both teams should feel good about their pitching staff. Washington allowed five runs in three games against the Giants, while Colorado allowed seven runs during a trip to Miami.

On Monday, Washington will likely start left-hander Patrick Corbin (6-10, 4.89 ERA), who is 11-7 with a 4.62 ERA in 27 career appearances (26 starts). of rocks

In addition to his first start of the season, Corbin has pitched at least five innings in every game. Yet he has given up almost one home run per start (18 in 20 starts).

Corbin most recently faced the Chicago Cubs last Tuesday. He allowed three runs on six hits with one walk and six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.

Colorado will turn to right-hander Jake Bird (2-1, 4.03) to serve as the opener. This season marks the beginning of two of Bird’s 45 appearances.

Byrd, who has given up three runs in 2 2/3 innings in two career relief appearances against citizens, starting last Tuesday against the Houston Astros. He gave up three runs on three hits in one inning.

–Field Level Media