The Washington Nationals (45-38) came out firing early against the struggling Colorado Rockies (36-48).
Stephen Strasburg (7-6) pitched 7.2 innings, gave up just one run on five hits, and fanned eight. Strasburg was the beneficiary of some early offense.
The Nationals scored three in the opening frame thanks to a Jayson Werth double that scored two runs, and a sacrifice fly by Ryan Zimmerman. Werth added to his great night in the fourth with another RBI double.
Anthony Rendon went 1-for-4 with two RBIs and a walk. In his second game back from the disabled list, Bryce Harper went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts.
Rockies starter Christian Friedrich (0-3), who entered the game with a 6.37 career ERA in 18 starts, was charged with five runs on five hits and four walks in his short 3.1 innings Tuesday night. The Rockies have now lost 13 of their last 15 according to The Washington Post.
The Nationals have won four in a row, but remain one-half game behind the Braves in the NL East according to MLB.com.