Zimmerman Lifts Nationals to Win

Ryan Zimmerman hit a three-run homer with two out in the ninth Tuesday to lift the Washington Nationals over the Florida Marlins, 6-4, at Washington.

It was Zimmerman’s second game-winning homer in less than three weeks. He hit a two-run homer in the ninth to defeat the New York Yankees, 3-2, on June 18.

“They’re all good,” Zimmerman said. “Can’t take away anything from a game-winning hit. They’re all special.”

Zimmerman hit a 2-and-2 pitch from Florida closer Joe Borowski (0-2) over the left-field fence with Robert Fick on second and Alfonso Soriano on first. Zimmerman flipped off his helmet as he approached home plate and leaped into a mob of jubilant teammates.

“You sit in the dugout and dream -- nothing wrong with that,” Washington Manager Frank Robinson said. “And sometimes, it comes true.”

The Nationals won their fourth in a row and second in four days on a game-ending home run. Nick Johnson homered to give the Nationals a win over Tampa Bay on Saturday.

The Marlins have dropped three in a row.

Colorado 6, San Francisco 1 -- Jeff Francis and three relievers combined on a four-hitter, and the Rockies moved into a tie for first place in the National League West with a victory over the Giants at Denver.

The win moved Colorado (43-40) into a three-way tie with San Diego and the Dodgers in the division.

St. Louis 6, Atlanta 3 -- Juan Encarnacion hit a two-run homer, and the Cardinals ended a seven-game road skid. The last time St. Louis had such a long road losing streak, it ended an eight-game skid with a win on July 4, 2001.

Philadelphia 6, San Diego 5 -- Aaron Rowand doubled in Ryan Howard in the ninth inning at Philadelphia, and the Phillies won their second game in a row. The Phillies have beaten San Diego 11 consecutive times dating to 2004.

New York 7, Pittsburgh 6 -- Xavier Nady hit a go-ahead single in the eighth inning and drove in three runs at New York, rallying the Mets past the Pirates. Billy Wagner earned his 300th save.

Houston 7, Chicago 2 -- Andy Pettitte (7-9) pitched six effective innings at Houston and beat Mark Prior (0-4) to give the Astros their fourth win in a row. The Cubs lost for the 10th time in 12 games.

Milwaukee 5, Cincinnati 2 -- Doug Davis (5-5) pitched into the ninth inning at Milwaukee, and the Brewers handed the Reds their fourth loss in a row.