Pollock, Diamondbacks defeat Nationals in series opener
Apr 27, 2018, 8:18 PM
Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock runs home to score on a sacrifice by Daniel Descalso during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, April 27, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
WASHINGTON — A.J. Pollock homered and scored three runs to help the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Washington Nationals 5-4 on Friday night.
The NL West-leading Diamondbacks have won five of six and are now 9-4 on the road. That matches Arizona’s 2000 team for the best road start in franchise history.
Zack Godley (4-1) allowed four runs on 10 hits over five innings to improve to 3-0 lifetime at Nationals Park. The Arizona bullpen retired 12 of the 13 batters it faced, with Brad Boxberger working a perfect ninth for his seventh save in as many attempts.
Stephen Strasburg (2-3) allowed a season-high five runs over 6 1/3 innings for Washington, which has lost five of its last six.
The Diamondbacks took a 5-4 lead in the sixth when Paul Goldschmidt’s leadoff flare over first base landed just inside the foul line. Pollock then belted a triple off the wall in right-center and scored on Daniel Descalso’s sacrifice fly.
Pollock homered to lead off the second, then singled and scored on Descalso’s double in the fourth.
Howie Kendrick hit a two-run homer in the third inning for the Nationals.
CONTRACT MATTERS
INF Mark Reynolds’ minor league contract with Washington includes a $1.5 million base salary if he is added to the 40-man roster. He could earn $2 million in performances bonuses based on plate appearances: $250,000 for 200, and an additional $250,000 for each additional 40 through 480.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Diamondbacks: RHP Shelby Miller threw 25 pitches of live batting practice as he continues his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery. He last pitched April 23, 2017. “He said he felt fantastic,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “That was really encouraging.”. 3B Jake Lamb (left shoulder sprain) has thrown on consecutive days. . Lovullo said RHP Randall Delgado (oblique strain) threw at 90 feet and felt good.
Nationals: OF Adam Eaton, who has not played since April 8 because of a bone bruise, was re-evaluated Friday. “His ankle has been improving so we’re hopeful that it’s not too far down the road,” general manager Mike Rizzo said.
UP NEXT
Diamondbacks: LHP Patrick Corbin (4-0, 1.89 ERA), who is striking out 12.96 batters per nine innings, takes the hill Saturday in the second of a three game-series.
Nationals: RHP Jeremy Hellickson (0-0, 4.50 ERA) makes his first home start of the season. He’s 0-3 with a 5.32 ERA in four career starts against Arizona.
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