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Bullpen falters late as Washington Nationals fall to Rockies in 11 innings

By Pablo Roa

Aug 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Yusmeiro Petit (52) pitches during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals defeated Atlanta Braves 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Yusmeiro Petit (52) pitches during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals defeated Atlanta Braves 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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After the offense came back to tie it twice, the Washington Nationals’ bullpen couldn’t hold on in extra innings as the Nats fell to the Rockies, 9-4.

The Washington Nationals were hoping to lock up a series win over the Rockies today, and they came close to doing just that. The Nats fell behind twice and came back both times, and they fought their way into extra innings.

Unfortunately, the Rockies’ offense outlasted the Nats’ bullpen, and Colorado came away with a 9-4 win in 11 innings.

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A.J. Cole was decent in his third career start for the Nationals, allowing three runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings. Cole struck out four batters and walked three, earning a no-decision.

The Rockies scored their first run against Cole in the third inning on a solo homer off the bat of Charlie Blackmon. An RBI single by Jorge De La Rosa made it a 3-0 Rockies lead an inning later.

The Nationals’ offense came right back, however, scoring three runs in the bottom of the fourth. Bryce Harper got the scoring started with an RBI double, making it a 3-1 game. Another RBI single, this time off the bat of Wilson Ramos, made it a 3-2 game. The Nats tied the game at 3-3 on an RBI groundout by Danny Espinosa later in the inning.

The Rockies retook the lead in the top of the seventh on an RBI groundout by Carlos Gonzalez. But with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the Nats tied it right back up on an RBI single by Werth.

Unfortunately for the Nationals, that was all the late inning magic they could muster against the Rockies bullpen today. Colorado scored five runs in the top of the 11th on two-run homers by Blackmon and Gonzalez and an RBI single by Nick Hundley. All five runs were charged to Nats reliever Yusmeiro Petit, who picked up his fourth loss of the season.

Next: Washington Nationals Reaction: Offense clicks again as Nats top Rockies

Next Up: The Nats will go for a series win against the Rockies tomorrow afternoon at Nationals Park. Lucas Giolito gets the start for the Nationals, while Chad Bettis goes for the Rockies. First pitch is set for 1:35 p.m. ET.

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