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Milledge helps Bergmann; Nationals beat Rockies

Aug 7, 2008 - 11:10 PM By Brady Delander PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

DENVER (Ticker) -- Lastings Milledge has found a groove since returning from the disabled list two weeks ago.

Milledge spoiled the return of Jeff Francis with three hits and a career-high four RBI - including home runs in consecutive at-bats - as the Washington Nationals recorded a 6-3 triumph over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday in the first game of a doubleheader.

In his last eight games, Milledge is batting .370 (10-for-27) with four home runs and seven RBI.

"He works hard all the time and he was confident coming in," Nationals manager Manny Acta said. "He got a pitch he could hammer both times."

Milledge delivered a leadoff homer in the fifth inning, a two-run shot in the sixth and an RBI single in the seventh.

"I saw the ball good, got my pitch and drove it," Milledge said. "I've been trying to change my approach. Hopefully, I can stay consistent."

Emilio Bonifacio added an RBI triple and Willie Harris contributed a run-scoring double to back Jason Bergmann (2-8), who allowed one run and seven hits in seven-plus innings to pick up his first win since mid-May.

Francis (3-8) pitched well initially in his first appearance since June 28, when he was placed on the disabled list with inflammation in his throwing shoulder. The lefthander cruised through the first four innings, striking out three and allowing only two singles, before struggling.

"His fastball command got away from him in the fifth and sixth innings," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. "You've got to pitch more than four innings."

After Milledge's homer in the fifth, the Nationals extended their lead on Harris' double and Bonifacio's triple. Ryan Zimmerman opened the sixth with a single and, after Austin Kearns' fielder's choice, Milledge plated him with his second homer to give the Nationals a 5-0 lead.

"I was throwing the fastball down pretty well until the fifth inning," Francis said. "I didn't pitch as well as I had hoped or we had hoped, but next time out we'll look for better results."

The Rockies could not solve Bergmann, who was 0-7 in his previous 13 outings despite eight quality starts during that span. Bergmann, who struck out seven, worked out of jams in the second, third and sixth innings.

"I think he did a fantastic job, especially in this ballpark with that lineup," Acta said. "Strike one was the best thing for him."

Bergmann lost his shutout bid when Matt Holliday homered to lead of the eighth.

After Yorvit Torrealba connected for a two-run homer in the ninth off Steven Shell, Joel Hanrahan got the final three outs for his second save.