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Nationals Snap 11-Game Skid in Monumental Fashion

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Eric W. Bolin | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 5:25 PM ET

Colorado Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer admitted after the game he probably shouldn't have allowed Seth Halvorsen to pitch to James Wood.

The struggles of being a first-year skipper.

The Washington Nationals snapped an 11-game losing streak by beating the Colorado Rockies on Friday afternoon, 4-3, on the strength of Wood's walk-off, two-run, two-out home run.

Halvorsen, the Rockies' newly minted closer, retired the first two batters he faced via a sacrifice bunt and a ground out. But he left the second pitch he threw to Wood middle-in and the Nationals outfielder hit it with a 20-degree launch angle over the centerfield fence.

The homer was Wood's second of the game. He opened the scoring with a two-run shot in the fourth inning off Rockies starter Chase Dollander, who was otherwise solid. He gave up just those two runs on six hits over six innings.

Dollander left without being the pitcher of record after the Rockies tied the game in the fifth inning. Jordan Beck hit an RBI double and Mickey Moniak followed with a run-scoring single that would ultimately be the final runs scored in nine innings.

Colorado took the lead in the 11th when Michael Toglia hit an RBI single that scored Ryan McMahon from second base, setting the stage for Wood's fireworks.

Every Rockies hitter in the lineup had at least one hit, led by McMahon's two. Only three Nationals players had hits. Both of Wood's were home runs, while Luis Garcia Jr. had three hits, including a double, and CJ Abrams picked up two singles.

The Nationals hadn't won since June 7 against the Texas Rangers, falling 15 games out first place in the National League East.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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