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Hudson carries Diamondbacks to win in series opener

Apr 6, 2007 - 6:12 AM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Even though he gets lost in the shuffle, Orlando Hudson can still get it done.

Hudson homered and scored twice as the Diamondbacks recorded a 4-3 victory over the Washington Nationals in the opener of a four-game series.

A player mainly known for his slick-fielding, Hudson scored in the first as part of a three-run inning and blasted a solo shot in the third to spark the Arizona offense.

"You never know when you're going to get the game-winning hit," Hudson said. "You just never know. This was a great team effort. We beat a good, young team. Tonight, the key was patience."

Hudson, who registered career highs in every major offensive category last season, is hitting .412 (7-of-17) with six runs scored four games into the season.

Arizona starter Edgar Gonzalez (1-0) allowed two runs and seven hits with seven strikeouts in five innings to get the win. Three Arizona relievers combined to work the next three innings and closer Jose Valverde recorded the final three outs to pick up his second save of the season.

"I felt good out there tonight," Gonzalez said. "I threw a lot of changeups. It helped me relax when we got the three runs in the first inning."

It has been a rough start to the season for the Nationals, who have trailed by at least three runs after three innings in each one of their four games this season. Despite out-hitting Arizona, 11-6, Washington went 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

"It's tough, we're a young club," Washington manager Manny Acta said. "We just have to keep pecking away. I'm proud of our guys, they have a lot of heart. They never give up."

Nationals starter Jason Bergmann (0-1) labored in his 3 2/3 innings of work, surrendering four runs and five hits with six walks and a strikeout. His struggles included a 50-pitch first inning, where he gave up three runs and three walks.

Dmitri Young hit a solo homer in the fifth for Washington. He was one of four Nationals hitters to register multiple hits.