Colorado @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 20, 2013 ) Colorado 1, Washington 5

After scuffling in recent weeks, the Washington Nationals are happy to be home for an extended period. The Nationals pulled back to .500 at 36-36 on Thursday, when they began a stretch in which they’ll play 14 of their next 17 games at home. Washington looks for its third straight win on Friday when it faces the Colorado Rockies, who have opened a nine-game road trip with four straight losses while trailing in all 36 innings.

The Rockies are 2-5 since shortstop Troy Tulowitzki landed on the disabled list with a broken rib, and their offense could take another hit if the condition of center fielder Dexter Fowler’s right ring finger doesn’t improve. Fowler has been limited since June 13, when he was hit on the finger while trying to bunt. Initial X-rays were negative, but Fowler remains sore and was unable to participate in batting practice on Thursday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), Mid-Atlantic Sports Network 2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Tyler Chatwood (4-1, 2.33 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (3-6, 2.50)

After missing one start with a right triceps injury, Chatwood allowed two runs on 84 pitches over five innings last Saturday against the Phillies. The 23-year-old Chatwood, making his first career start against the Nationals, has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last six starts. He’s one of the top pitching hitters in the game with a career batting average of .371 (13-for-35).

Strasburg allowed one run with four walks in five innings against the Indians last Sunday in his first start since coming off the disabled list after a lat strain. “He was a little bit rusty and didn't have his command, but I thought he settled in pretty well,” Washington manager Davey Johnson told reporters. The 24-year-old right-hander is 0-2 with a 3.75 ERA in two career starts against Colorado.

WALK-OFFS

1. Strasburg hasn't allowed more than one earned run in six straight starts.

2. The Rockies optioned LHP Jeff Francis to Triple-A Colorado Springs to make room for RHP Roy Oswalt.

3. Nationals SS Ian Desmond has played a career-high 53 consecutive errorless games.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Rockies 3