It looks like the best way to keep the Washington Nationals off the scoreboard is to load the bases.
The Nationals had eight hits and drew three walks against Colorado on Saturday, loading the bases three times, but never came close to scoring in a 6-0 loss to the Rockies.
Colorado starter Kyle Freeland allowed seven of those hits in six innings, but proved adept at getting out of jams, as the Rockies turned four double plays to complement the Nats’ own propensity for striking out in clutch situations.
So the Nationals would never seriously threaten the 3-0 lead starting pitcher Patrick Corbin and the Nats spotted the Rockies in the first nor the 6-0 lead Colorado built in the fourth.