Austin Gomber sparkles in Rockies’ 3-1 win over Nationals

Quality start doesn’t begin to describe Austin Gomber’s performance.

How about dominating? Or commanding? Or just plain terrific?

Whatever the adjective, Gomber sparkled in the Rockies’ 3-1 win over the Nationals on Tuesday night in Washington, D.C.

The left-hander, throwing a confounding curveball, was in command for all seven innings. His one mistake was giving up a leadoff homer to CJ Abrams in the sixth.

Gomber yielded just three hits, struck out five and walked two. He was efficient, too, throwing 96 pitches, 63 for strikes. It marked the second time in his career that he pitched seven innings and allowed three hits or fewer.

The bullpen backed up the starter. Tyler Kinley, who’s been on a roll, pitched a scoreless eighth, despite giving up a two-out double to Alex Call.

Rookie right-hander Angel Chivilli was called on to close out the game because usual ninth-inning reliever Victor Vodnik was out with discomfort in his right shoulder.

Chivilli, who picked up his first career win on Sunday against the Padres, notched his first career save. Utilizing his effective changeup, he dodged some trouble in the ninth — giving up a walk and a bloop single — but he never lost his cool.