The Washington Nationals quest to win a ninth straight game fell short on Sunday in the desert, but not without a spirited comeback attempt Washington fans have seen become commonplace in this special season. The Nationals fell 7-4 to the Arizona Diamondbacks, scoring two runs in the top of the ninth inning on three hits and a walk before Diamondbacks closer J.J. Putz was able to shut the door on Washington.
Nationals starter Ross Detwiler was roughed up early by Arizona. The left-hander lasted just 4 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs. Craig Stammen entered in relief of Detwiler, and fared only slightly better, giving up two runs in 2 1/3 innings of work.
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt did most of the damage for the Diamondbacks, going two for four with three runs batted in and two runs scored. Goldschmidt even added a stolen base, his 11th of the year, for good measure.
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