Washington, DC – Daniel Hudson came within one out of the first shutout of his career, doing it not far from where he began his ascent to the majors.
The 24-year-old right-hander also came within one out of a complete game in Arizona's 4-2 victory over the Washington Nationals.
Hudson (13-9), who was born in Lynchburg, VA, prepped in Virginia Beach and played collegiate ball at Old Dominion University, gave up back-to-back homers on consecutive first pitches to Laynce Nix and Jonny Gomes, and was then removed in favor of J.J. Putz.
It was a fabulous night for Hudson, who scattered nine hits and fanned six without walking a batter in his first career start against the Nationals.
The NL West leaders scored twice in the fourth inning and Miguel Montero provided insurance with a two-run single in the eighth, as the Diamondbacks won their second straight with the finale of the four-game series coming up Thursday night.
Ian Desmond had three hits for the Nationals, who wasted a decent performance from Livan Hernandez (7-12). He gave up seven hits and four runs in 7 1/3 frames.
After retiring the first two batters of the ninth, Nix homered barely over the right field wall. The next pitch to Gomes was taken over the fence in left.
Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson walked slowly toward Hudson, and after standing on the mound finally removed the starter. Putz, who recorded his 32nd save, got Wilson Ramos to foul out to first to end the game.
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