Nationals' Harper records RBI, scores in return to lineup

Washington, DC  - Ian Desmond stroked the go-ahead three- run double during the sixth inning, and Bryce Harper had an RBI in his return to the lineup, as the Washington Nationals topped Colorado, 7-3, Monday night.

Harper, who hadn't played with the Nationals since April 25 because of a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the left thumb, singled home a run in the fourth and scored on Desmond's hit down the left field line.

Jordan Zimmermann (6-4) allowed seven hits and two runs, and fanned five over six innings to move his record to 5-0 in seven lifetime starts against the Rockies.

Ryan Zimmerman, who went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, drove in a run and scored once. Adam LaRoche launched a second-deck homer in the seventh inning in Washington's third straight victory.

Yohan Flande (0-1) surrendered six hits and three runs over 5 1/3 innings in his second major league start.

Troy Tulowitzki knocked in a run and scored twice for the Rockies, who have lost 12 of their last 14 games.

Zimmerman, playing third base for the first time since April 12, had a nice defensive play to end the top of the seventh. He dove to snag Charlie Blackmon's line drive and threw across the diamond to double off Corey Dickerson at first base.