DENVER -- Starting pitcher David Hale walked three and gave up six runs in five innings, but the struggling bullpen was worse Tuesday night as the Rockies lost for the eighth time in their last 10 games, a 15-6 setback to the Nationals at Coors Field.
After Gonzalez Germen's spotless sixth inning, four Rockies relievers gave up nine runs and walked seven. In all, eight of the 10 batters the Rockies walked would score. Hale's first Major League start since July 4 was hardly the stuff of victory, but the work of the bullpen has become a critical issue.