Nationals ride two unearned runs to Game 1 win over Rockies

Jake Irvin scattered three hits over 6 1/3 innings and Trey Lipscomb had two hits as the Washington Nationals beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2 in the first game of a split doubleheader Sunday afternoon in Denver.Irvin (2-0) struck out nine to beat Colorado for the first time in three career starts. Kyle Finnegan got the final three outs for his eighth save.Zac Veen and Braxton Fulford each hit their first major-league home runs for the Rockies, who have dropped eight straight. Colorado (3-17) is off to the worst start in franchise history.Rockies starter Kyle Freeland (0-4) left the game after two innings due to a blister on the middle finger of his left (pitching) hand.Freeland warmed up for the top of the third inning before manager Bud Black and a trainer came to the mound. He was taken out of the game and Angel Chivilli came on in relief.Freeland allowed three runs — one earned – and three hits to go with one walk and two strikeouts in his two innings of work.The Nationals got their three runs in the second inning. Two were a result of two Fulford throwing errors.The first run came when Dylan Crews broke for third on a steal attempt and the catcher’s throw went into left field, allowing Crews to trot home.