Both starters laboring early (Arizona wins 6-3)

The first inning of the series opener between the Nationals and Diamondbacks took 36 minutes to complete as both starters labored to solve each batter.

Nats starter Tanner Roark went 3-2 on several counts, allowing a single to A.J. Pollock, who later stole second. Pollock went to third when Roark's attempt to catch him off second base got away and rolled into center field. Paul Goldschmidt's RBI single up the middle scored Pollock and the Diamondbacks led 1-0.

Diamondbacks starter Taijuan Walker gave up a leadoff double to Trea Turner and walked Jayson Werth. Bryce Harper singled to left field to score Turner, tying the game at 1-1.

In the bottom of the second, Anthony Rendon doubled to deep left center field off the wall. After a walk to Michael Taylor, Walker recorded three straight outs.

With two innings complete at Nats Park, the game is all tied up at 1-1.

Update: The Nationals grabbed the lead in the bottom of the third. An one-out walk to Harper was followed by a double from Ryan Zimmerman. Daniel Murphy then delivered a two-run single. The Nationals led 3-1.

The lead was short-lived. In the top of the fourth, Jake Lamb led off with a solo homer, his sixth round-tripper of the season. After a one-out single by Brandon Drury, Chris Hermann slammed a two-run shot, his second home run of the year, and the Diamondbacks lead 4-3. Roark has allowed six hits through four frames.

Update II: Roark threw a career-high 125 pitches and 77 strikes in finishing six innings. He allowed four runs on six hits with two walks and had a season-high eight strikeouts. Blake Treinen came in to pitch the seventh.

Update III: Facing Treinen in the seventh, Nick Ahmed singled. Pinch-hitter Daniel Descalso was hit by a pitch. After a fielder's choice moved the runner up, Chris Owings' RBI single provided a critical insurance run. The Diamondbacks lead the Nationals 5-3.

Update IV: The bullpen endured a tough night too. Joe Blanton surrendered a solo homer to deep center field off the bat of Jeremy Hazelbaker, his first homer of the season. Diamondbacks led 6-3 mid-9th.

Facing Fernando Rodney in the bottom of the ninth, Werth struck out swinging. Harper flew out to center field. Zimmerman grounded out to short to end the game.

Final score: the Diamondbacks 6, the Nationals 3. The Nats are 17-9, but only 7-6 at home.