Colorado Rockies crushed Washington Nationals 13-1 on Wednesday night, powered by Connor Norby’s grand slam and three two-run homers, taking a 2-1 series lead.
The Colorado Rockies (52-81) exploded for a 13-1 victory over the Washington Nationals (62-73) on Wednesday night at Nationals Park, seizing a 2-1 lead in the four-game series. The decisive factor was a relentless power display: Connor Norby hit a grand slam, while Troy Johnston, Cole Carrigg, and Hunter Goodman each added two-run homers.
Rockies’ Offensive Eruption
Colorado’s bats came alive in a big way, scoring 13 runs on the strength of four home runs. Connor Norby’s grand slam was the biggest blow, clearing the bases and putting the game out of reach. Troy Johnston, Cole Carrigg, and Hunter Goodman each contributed two-run homers, turning a competitive game into a rout.
Hunter Goodman continued his hot stretch, hitting his 35th home run of the season in his return from a shoulder injury. Goodman also homered in Tuesday’s 3-1 win, helping the Rockies snap a seven-game losing streak. The power surge demonstrates that this lineup can erupt, even in a season where the Rockies sit fifth in the NL West.
Nationals’ Rough Night
Washington struggled to contain Colorado’s offense, allowing 13 runs on multiple home runs. The Nationals managed just one run in response, unable to mount any sustained threat. The loss drops them to 62-73, fourth in the NL East, and they have now lost two straight games.
The Nationals are also dealing with a crowded injury list, including James Wood and Drew Millas on the 10-day IL, and Josiah Gray and DJ Herz on the 60-day IL. These absences have weakened the roster, though they were not the sole reason for Wednesday’s lopsided defeat.
Turning Point: Norby’s Grand Slam
The game shifted decisively in the Rockies’ favor when Connor Norby launched a grand slam, breaking the game open and giving Colorado an insurmountable lead. That blast, combined with the two-run homers from Johnston, Carrigg, and Goodman, sealed the Nationals’ fate early.
Washington’s pitching had no answer for the Rockies’ aggressive approach at the plate, and the Nationals’ offense could not keep pace, managing only a single run.
What It Means
For the Rockies, this victory builds momentum after a rough stretch. They have now won two consecutive games and can clinch the series with a win in Thursday’s finale. Hunter Goodman’s 35 homers are a bright spot in a lost season, and the offense showed it can produce in bunches.
For the Nationals, the loss is a setback as they look to finish the season strong. They need a win Thursday to even the series, but they will have to find a way to slow down a Rockies lineup that has suddenly caught fire.
- Connor Norby: grand slam
- Troy Johnston, Cole Carrigg, Hunter Goodman: two-run homers
- Hunter Goodman: 35th homer of the season
- Rockies: 2-1 series lead
- Nationals: lost two straight
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