Washington @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 12, 2013 ) Washington 5, Colorado 1

For the first time since mid-May, the Washington Nationals will have their starting rotation intact as they visit the Colorado Rockies on Thursday in the rubber match of their three-game series. Ross Detwiler, who hasn't pitched since May 15 because of an oblique injury, will oppose fellow left-hander Jeff Francis. The Nationals, who are six games behind the Atlanta Braves in the National League East, also will welcome Stephen Strasburg (lat strain) back Sunday against the Indians in Cleveland.

The Nationals prevailed 5-1 on Wednesday for their third victory in the last four games - but only their third win in their last 12 road contests. Washington has a hot hitter in shortstop Ian Desmond, who went 2-for-3 with three RBIs to extend his hitting streak to 14 games while raising his average 23 points to .282. The Rockies, who were held to three hits Wednesday, are third in the major leagues at 4.9 runs per game and had scored 45 runs in their previous six contests.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Ross Detwiler (2-4, 2.76 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Jeff Francis (2-4, 6.30)

Detwiler recorded five quality starts in seven outings before leaving the May 15 game at Dodger Stadium after three innings. The 27-year-old's low ERA is a testament as to how well he's pitched out of trouble - allowing 56 hits in 45 2/3 innings, leading to a 1.45 WHIP and a .306 batting average against. Detwiler is 0-2 with a 6.55 ERA in three career games (two starts) against the Rockies, whose roster is 9-for-20 against him.

Francis struggled in his first start since returning from a left groin injury that landed him on the disabled list, allowing four runs and six hits in four innings of a 4-2 loss to San Diego on Saturday. The 32-year-old, who is 1-2 with a 4.81 ERA in seven career outings against Washington, has recorded two quality starts in nine turns this season. The Nationals' roster is hitting .363 against Francis, with Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman a combined 16-for-34 with two home runs and seven doubles.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies RF Michael Cuddyer (ribs) missed his fifth straight game Wednesday but is expected to return to the lineup Thursday.

2. Washington has homered in a major league-best 77 consecutive series but did not go deep Tuesday or Wednesday.

3. Colorado C Wilin Rosario had seven home runs and 19 RBIs in 80 April at-bats but three homers and 12 RBIs in 117 at-bats since May 1.

PREDICTION: Nationals 9, Rockies 8