Pomeranz, Colvin lead Rockies in 5-1 win

WASHINGTON — Rookie left-hander Drew Pomeranz spent Friday night delivering exactly what the Rockies expected when they traded their one-time ace for him. But his 6 1/3 scoreless, one-hit innings in a 5-1 victory over the Nationals had much more to do with what Pomeranz expected of himself.

The pregame buzz was understandably about Nationals righty Stephen Strasburg, the top pick in the 2009 Draft and, at 23, already an All-Star who will represent the National League East-leading club in Tuesday night’s All-Star Game.

But Pomeranz is also 23, was the fifth overall pick in 2010 by the Indians, and was the main reason the Rockies gave up 2010 All-Star pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez in a major trade. Pomeranz has every reason to believe he’s on even footing. But while Strasburg was building All-Star credentials, Pomeranz was spending the time between May 11 and Sunday at Triple-A Colorado Springs, searching.

Pomeranz (1-3) found within himself a potential ace, and he unleashed himself with full fury Friday. Throwing fastballs on all but seven of his 81 pitches, Pomeranz struck out six, shattered four bats and held the Nats to the softest of hits, a Bryce Harper bloop single to open the fourth. Center fielder Dexter Fowler should have caught it, but read it poorly, and actually started back before futilely coming forward.

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