Voth delivers clutch start; Desmond may not be ready next week

Right-hander Austin Voth (rhymes with "both") tossed six scoreless innings as Triple-A Syracuse dropped Norfolk 3-0.

The Chiefs pitchers have now not allowed a run in 19 consecutive innings.

In the third inning, Brian Goodwin delivered a run-scoring single. Clint Robinson's groundout moved runners into scoring position. Brandon Snyder then delivered a two-run single, scoring Caleb Ramsey and Goodwin. The three runs were all the Chiefs would need, thanks to Voth and the bullpen.

Right-hander Greg Ross pitched a pair of scoreless innings, not allowing a hit, walking one and striking out one. It was his season Triple-A debut.

Closer Joe Nathan came on for the save, allowing one hit and delivering a scoreless ninth.

Taylor Hill opposes Tyler Wilson in Game 2 today.

Voth (1-1) scattered four hits over those six frames, allowing no runs with two walks and striking out five. The 24-year-old dropped his ERA to 6.57. Snyder has collected seven hits in his last six games.

* Next opponent for the Nationals: The Rockies edged the Giants 6-5 with a historic six-run fourth inning. Trevor Story hit a grand slam and Charlie Blackmon added an inside-the-park homer, as the Rockies came back from a 3-0 deficit to improve to 11-6. It's the first grand slam and inside-the-park homer in the same inning since 1950 when the New York Giants pulled off the rare feat against the Brooklyn Dodgers.

First baseman and former Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond is hitting off a tee in the batting cage as he recovers from a left hand fracture, according to the Denver Post. He is expected to go on a rehab assignment as early as next week. That may not be in time for the Nationals and Rockies matchup Monday through Thursday in Denver.