Kendrick helps Strasburg after slow start (D-backs win 5-4)

Arizona jumped on the scoreboard first. After right-hander Stephen Strasburg dealt a 1-2-3 first, A.J. Pollock led off the second with a solo homer, his sixth HR of the season.

After a walk to Daniel Descalso, Ketel Marte moved him to second on a groundout to first base. Nick Ahmed's single scored Descalso. The Diamondbacks led 2-0.

In the third, center fielder Andrew Stevenson took away extra bases with a diving catch of a David Peralta line drive in front of him and to the right.

The Nationals got a one-out double by Howie Kendrick in the first against Arizona right-hander Zack Godley. Bryce Harper was walked. But Ryan Zimmerman flew out to right field and Matt Adams grounded out to second base to end the threat. And in the second inning, Matt Wieters led off with a single, but the Nats were unable to move him around.

But in the third, Trea Turner led off with a single to get a rally started.

Kendrick followed with a mammoth two-run shot over the center field wall. It was his third homer of the season and came on a 0-2 pitch.

Harper was again walked. After Zimmerman struck out, Adams singled and Harper went to third.

Wieters grounded to first base which was ruled a 3-6-3 double play. But the call was overturned on replay. Wieters was credited with an RBI on the fielder's choice because Harper scored on the play.

After three innings, the Nationals lead the D-backs 3-2.

Update: The D-backs tied the game with a single run in the fourth. Pollock singled with one-out and came home on a Descalso double.

The Nats leaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth with one out on consecutive singles by Strasburg, Turner and Kendrick. But Godley threw Harper a ton of curveballs to get ahead in the count and then a fastball to strike him out on a foul tip. Zimmerman grounded out to end the opportunity.

After four innings, the Nats and D-backs are tied at 3-3.

Update II: In the fifth, the Nats loaded the bases for second inning in a row against Godley. Adams singled, Wieters walked and Stevenson had a bunt single. Wilmer Difo's sacrifice fly RBI to center field scored Adams.

The Nats have the lead, but should have more runs, thanks to 10 hits and 13 baserunners. They have left nine men on base through five innings.

Harper has walked 34 times in March/April 2018, second most to Barry Bonds' record of 39 walks all-time in March/April 2004.

After five innings, the Nats lead the D-backs 4-3.

Update III: In the sixth, Paul Goldschmidt singled. Pollock tripled to score Goldschmidt. Descalso's sacrifice fly to left field scored Pollock.

Godley finished five innings, allowing four runs and scattering 10 hits, with three walks and four strikeouts. He threw 109 pitches, 67 for strikes.

After six innings, the D-backs lead 5-4 over the Nats.

Update IV: Strasburg lasted 6 1/3 innings, giving up five runs on six hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. He threw 103 pitches, 66 for strikes.

Mid-seventh, the D-backs lead the Nats 5-4.

Update V: Facing D-backs reliever Brad Boxberger, the Nats went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth. Harper flew out to right field, Zimmerman grounded out to the pitcher and Moisés Sierra struck out looking to end the game.

Final score: Diamondbacks 5, Nats 4.

The Nats left 10 men on base, the D-backs left two men on base.

The Nats are 11-15. They are 3-8 versus the National League West.