The Colorado Rockies would seem to be facing long odds by going against Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg on Sunday night, but that little fact didn't stop Jim Tracy's team from grabbing a 4-2 victory in the series opener of a four-game set on Monday night. Colorado improved to 28-44 on the year, while Washington falls to 41-30.
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Rockies starter Jeff Francis pitched well, allowing five hits and two runs over five innings while striking out five. It was reliever Josh Roenicke who picked up the victory to improve to 3-0, though, after the 29-year old righty allowed only one hit over two innings.
Colorado surged ahead with a two-run sixth inning. Carlos Gonzalez drove-in the first run with a single to right fielder. First baseman Todd Helton brought home the second run of the frame with a sacrifice fly to center.
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