Colorado Rockies at Washington Nationals

Daylen Lile and Keibert Ruiz homered while Jake Irvin fought off early wildness to lead the Nationals past the Rockies, 7-1, splitting the four-game set on Thursday at Nationals Park. Lile continued his hot August finish, similar to last year’s sensational push, when he led the Major Leagues in extra-base hits (T-1st, 16) batting average (.372) and slugging percentage (.681) after Aug. 21. In seven games since Aug. 21 this season, Lile is hitting .429 (12-for-28) with two doubles, three homers, nine RBIs and seven runs scored. Lile has four multi-hit games in his last seven contests. Reminded of his hot streak at this time last season, Lile says his play and his teammates' play down the stretch is critical even if the club is 10 games below .500. “I felt like it did \[make a difference\