Nats fall to Rockies 5-4

Nats Cannot Shake Balester's Bad Start - The PostWalks the culprit as Nationals fall - The Wash. TimesCollin Balestar could not find the strike zone last night with a map. He lasted a mere 1 1/3 innings and walked five batters, including the first three of the game. The bullpen, pressed into extended work last night walked another five batters and hit one too. Even with all of that, plus facing the NL All-Star stater, Jason Marquis, the Natioanls had their chances against the Rockies -- they just could not capitalize enough. Ryan Zimmerman was left on third twice during the game. Josh Bard even got a solo home run in the ninth to pull Washington within one, but in the end, Colorado prevailed -- Balestar's rough start was just too much for the Nats to overcome. Washington Nationals, Nats, Colorado Rockies, Colin Balestar©MMIX William F. Yurasko