The Colorado Rockies look to close out a series win in Washington, while the Nationals aim to avoid a home loss to a last-place club. Get the full preview for August 27 at Nationals Park.
The Colorado Rockies (52-81, 5th in NL West) and Washington Nationals (62-73, 4th in NL East) meet Thursday afternoon at Nationals Park for Game 4 of their four-game series, with the Rockies holding a 2-1 edge after a 13-1 blowout. Colorado’s offense has erupted for 16 runs over the last two games, and they’re one win away from taking the series. Washington, desperate to avoid dropping three of four at home, will lean on a depleted pitching staff to cool off a suddenly hot Rockies lineup. The edge appears to lie with Colorado’s momentum, but the Nationals’ desperation could make this a tight afternoon contest.
Colorado Rockies: Riding a Power Surge
The Rockies snapped a seven-game losing streak on Tuesday with a 3-1 win, then exploded for 13 runs Wednesday night. Connor Norby delivered the biggest blow with a grand slam, while Troy Johnston, Cole Carrigg, and Hunter Goodman each added two-run homers. Goodman, returning from a shoulder injury, hit his 35th home run of the season in Tuesday’s win and has been a bright spot in a lost season. Mason Adams worked into the fifth inning in his big league debut Tuesday, helping stabilize a rotation that has struggled. Colorado’s offense has come alive after being held to one run or fewer in three of their previous four games. However, the Rockies remain banged up: Kris Bryant (60-day IL), Kyle Freeland (15-day IL), Jose Quintana (60-day IL), Richard Lovelady (60-day IL), McCade Brown (60-day IL), and Kyle Karros (7-day IL) are all sidelined. Despite the injuries, this young lineup is showing pop, and they’ll look to keep the bats rolling.
Washington Nationals: Seeking Answers at Home
The Nationals have dropped two straight after winning the series opener, and Wednesday’s 13-1 loss exposed a pitching staff that’s running thin. Josiah Gray (60-day IL), DJ Herz (60-day IL), and Richard Lovelady (60-day IL) are all out, leaving the rotation and bullpen shorthanded. Offensively, Washington has struggled to string together hits, and they’ll need a strong start from their starter to keep the Rockies in check. The Nats are also missing key bats: James Wood (10-day IL) and Drew Millas (10-day IL) are unavailable. At 62-73, Washington is 11 games under .500 and fading from wild-card contention. A home series loss to a last-place club would be a bitter pill, so expect a focused effort to even the series. The Nationals need their veterans to step up and produce, especially with the bullpen taxed after yesterday’s blowout.
Head-to-Head: Momentum vs. Desperation
The Rockies have all the momentum, having won two straight for the first time since early August. Their lineup is clicking, and they’re hitting the ball out of the park. The Nationals, meanwhile, are reeling, but desperation can be a powerful motivator. Washington’s pitching is a concern, but they’ve shown resilience all season. The key matchup will be Colorado’s hot hitters against a Nationals staff that’s been vulnerable. If the Rockies can jump out early, they’ll put pressure on a depleted bullpen. If the Nationals can keep it close, they have a chance to steal a win.
- Rockies have won two straight after a seven-game skid, scoring 16 runs in that span.
- Hunter Goodman has 35 home runs and homered in his return from injury.
- Nationals are missing key arms: Josiah Gray, DJ Herz, and Richard Lovelady.
- Washington has lost two in a row and needs a win to avoid a series loss.
- Both teams are banged up, but Colorado’s offense is peaking at the right time.
Prediction: Rockies Take the Series
Given Colorado’s offensive explosion and Washington’s pitching woes, the Rockies have the clear edge. Expect another high-scoring affair, but the Nationals’ desperation could keep it close. However, the Rockies’ lineup is too hot right now. Prediction: Rockies win 7-4 to take the series 3-1.
🎧 Listen daily to both teams
Beatline Sports covers every team, every day — new episodes each morning.