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.

“He’s a pitcher,” Rockies manager Bud Black told reporters. “He’s a guy who relies on all of his stuff and knows how to use it.”

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 on a 1-1 fastball.

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 whole mix of pitches was outstanding,” Black said. “The fastball had good location, the slider was good, and he had a good hook tonight. They had a lot of lefties, so the slider and the hook came into play tonight.

“Against the righties, Austin had a good fastball on both sides (of the plate), and had a good changeup and a good curve, too. ‘Gomby’ has done a pretty good job all year. There have been a couple of hiccups here and there, but for the most part, he’s done well.”

Gomber, who made his 24th start, is 4-8 with a 4.64 ERA and nine quality starts.

Colorado’s bullpen backed up Gomber. Tyler Kinley, who’s been on a roll, pitched a scoreless eighth, despite giving up a two-out double to Alex Call. Kinley is unscored upon in 17 of his last 19 outings since July 11, posting a 1.37 ERA with 22 strikeouts and five walks.

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 poise.