Colorado @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 28, 2012 ) Washington 10, Colorado 11

Now a season-high 16 games over .500, the surging Washington Nationals host reeling Colorado in a three-game series starting Friday. The NL East leaders rallied for a 6-5 walk-off win over San Francisco on Thursday, Washington’s fourth straight victory.

Colorado, tied with the Chicago Cubs for the worst record in the majors, has scored 13 total runs while dropping five of six. Outfielder Tyler Colvin isn’t the problem; he hit three homers and drove in seven runs in the just-completed four-game series in St. Louis.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN, ROOT

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Drew Pomeranz (0-3, 3.72 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (9-3, 2.81 ERA)

Pomeranz was brilliant in his last outing, allowing no earned runs and two hits over six innings against San Diego. His hard-cutting fastball resulted in nine ground-ball outs. It was his first start since being recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs. Batters are hitting .248 against Pomeranz, who also made five starts in April and May.

Last Saturday in Atlanta, Strasburg was lifted after three innings due to dehydration. In his five previous starts, the phenom went at least six innings and allowed a total of nine earned runs. Batters are hitting .214 against Strasburg, who has a microscopic WHIP of 1.03. He’s fanned 122 in 93 innings.

WALK-OFFS:

1. Nationals OF Bryce Harper went 6-for-14 in the three-game sweep of San Francisco, with three doubles and three RBIs.

2. Nats closer Tyler Clippard has 13 saves in 14 chances to go with a 1.78 ERA and a WHIP of 0.88.

3. Rockies All-Star Carlos Gonzalez saw his 12-game hitting streak end Thursday, going 0-for-4 with a walk. He’s hitting .336.