The Colorado Rockies lost to the Washington Nationals 9-4 last night in their return to Coors Field.

Tim Redding settled down after a rough start to strike out six over five-plus innings as the Nationals won their fourth straight.

Aaron Cook gave up seven runs -- four earned -- in 5 2-3 innings and lost for the first time since July 6th.

It was a disappointing start to a key homestand for the Rockies, who play seven games against the Nationals and San Diego Padres -- the teams with the two worst records in the NL -- before hosting first-place Arizona. The Rockies began the day seven games behind the Diamondbacks in the NL West.