The Nationals edged out the Rockies 12–11 in a high-scoring affair.

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies, positioned at the front, displayed his frustration after striking out to conclude the sixth inning, while Washington Nationals catcher Riley Adams made his way back to the dugout during Game 1 of a split doubleheader on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Denver. The 2025 Rockies find themselves with no room for mistakes. The Nationals narrowly defeated Colorado, 3-2, in the first game of the doubleheader at Coors Field. Two pivotal throwing errors by rookie catcher Braxton Fulford in the second inning proved to be decisive. “Braxton possesses one of the strongest arms and is likely our best thrower among catchers in the organization,” remarked manager Bud Black. “I cannot speak for his internal experience, but younger players often place immense pressure on themselves. We are witnessing this with many of our young talents. This could be a contributing factor.” The errors overshadowed a notable day for Fulford and rookie right fielder Zac Veen, both of whom celebrated their first career home runs. They became the second duo of teammates in franchise history to achieve their first major league home runs in the same game, following Edgard Clemente and Curtis Leskanic on June 9, 1999, against Seattle. The Rockies are currently on an eight-game losing streak and have started the season with a dismal 3-17 record, marking their first eight-game losing streak since June 14-21, 2023. In the ninth inning, the Rockies had an opportunity to equalize with Ryan McMahon on third base, but Nick Martini's groundout sealed the game.

The Colorado Rockies mascot, Dinger the Dinosaur, sported a pair of rabbit ears to celebrate the Easter holiday during the first inning of Game 1 of a split baseball doubleheader against the Washington Nationals on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Denver. Veen initiated the third inning with a powerful 412-foot home run to right field off Washington’s Jake Irvin. Fulford followed suit in the sixth inning, launching a 433-foot homer to left field off Irvin, marking the first hit of his career. However, these two home runs constituted the entirety of Colorado’s scoring. Irvin effectively limited the Rockies to just three hits, recording nine strikeouts without issuing any walks. Rockies left-handed pitcher Kyle Freeland managed only two innings before leaving the game due to a blister on the middle finger of his left hand. Freeland has experienced finger blisters intermittently throughout his career. “For the most part, it’s manageable,” Black commented. “However, I know this week it was somewhat precarious. Unfortunately, today, a blood blister developed and it was beginning to feel raw. I believed that if he continued, it could jeopardize his next start.

Freeland was charged with three runs, although only one was earned. He issued one walk and recorded two strikeouts. The second inning proved to be problematic, but it was not due to Freeland's performance. Two throwing errors by Fulford were responsible for all three runs scored by Washington. Dyan Crews successfully stole third base and scored when Fulford's throw went awry into left field. 

The Nationals subsequently loaded the bases after Freeland walked Jacob Young, and Trey Lipscomb reached base with an infield single. It appeared that Freeland might limit the damage when Nasim Nunez hit a ground ball back to him, leading to a force out at home. However, Fulford's attempt to execute a double play failed as he overthrew first baseman Michael Toglia, resulting in two additional runs crossing the plate.  In the ninth inning, Fulford committed a third error when his throw went into center field, allowing Jacob Young to steal second base. Young advanced to third but was left stranded as Rockies reliever Seth Halvorsen effectively ended the inning.  The second game of the doubleheader is set to begin at 6:10 p.m.