Scherzer still having trouble in Denver (Nats come back and win 5-4)

DENVER - Right-hander Max Scherzer struggled to throw strikes in the first inning, and that helped the Rockies race out to a 3-0 lead.

Following a one-out DJ LeMahieu single, Scherzer walked Carlos Gonzalez and Nolan Arenado. That left the door open for hot-hitting David Dahl, who promptly lined a two-run double off the wall in center. Daniel Descalso then followed with a sacrifice fly to center field to score Arenado and Colorado led 3-0.

Scherzer has a track record of struggles at this park. At Coors Field, Scherzer is 0-3 with a 5.32 ERA and four homers allowed in four previous starts.

The Nationals wasted a couple of walks in the leadoff inning versus Jorge De La Rosa.

After one at Coors Field, the Rockies lead 3-0.

Update: Jayson Werth walked in the first to reach 43 games in his on-base streak. That matches Ryan Zimmerman for the longest in Nationals history. Rusty Staub (46) and Tim Raines (44) still hold the longest on-base streaks in franchise history.

In the third, Werth launched a two-run shot to get the Nationals on the board. Scherzer had singled in front of him to start the rally. Bryce Harper later doubled but was stranded. It was Werth's fourth home run in the last nine games. He now has six career homers at Coors Field.

Descalso tripled in the bottom of the third, but Scherzer struck out catcher Nick Hundley looking to end the frame.

After three innings, the Rockies lead the Nationals 3-2.

Update II: Charlie Blackmon added a solo shot over the right field wall in the fourth. HIs 21st homer of the season makes it 4-2 Rockies. Scherzer has now allowed five homers in five starts here at Coors Field.

Update III: Scherzer lasts only four innings, his shortest outing of the season. He allowed four runs on seven hits with two walks and three strikeouts, with one homer. Scherzer threw 97 pitches, 61 for strikes.

Daniel Murphy's RBI single in the fifth cut the Rockies lead to 1. Werth and Harper have each reached base 3 times to start this game. The Rockies lead the Nationals 4-3 after five.

Update IV: Wilson Ramos' high fly ball in the sixth went out and the Nats tied the game at 4-4. Ramos has 19 homers on the season.

Update V: Harper is having a night, adding an RBI double in the seventh to give the Nationals their first lead of the game at 5-4. The Nationals were down 3-0 and 4-2. Harper is 2-for-2 with two doubles, two walks and an RBI.

Update VI: Harper singled in the ninth to finish 3-for-3. He reached base five times.

Mark Melancon came on in the ninth to notch his fourth save with the Nationals, and 34th overall this season.

The Nationals have reached 70 wins with a 5-4 victory over the Rockies.