Hunter Goodman, a do-it-all fielder, has been leaned on as the Colorado Rockies’ backup catcher without Elias Díaz and spent his time moving around the diamond before the latter’s recent injury. The playing time increase has paid off with four home runs in his last seven games, the latest in a 11-5 loss to the Nationals on Friday at Coors Field.

Goodman earned his MLB debut last year thanks to 34 minor-league long balls. That success has moved into the majors now.

“Goodman has power, he’s still learning with his timing,” manager Bud Black said. “When he’s timed up, he’s going to hit the ball hard. He’s got the type of swing that’s going to elevate the ball.”

He has been working timing his high leg kick at the plate to major-league pitching velocities. The timing has been just right on some pitches — like the six he’s deposited into the stands this year — but faulty on others. The switch from fastballs to breaking balls and changeups has sent his timing mechanism searching for answers occasionally.

Being in the lineup more often has helped. Goodman has appeared in every game since June 15 and has played in 13 of the Rockies’ 20 June contests.

“I’m going to do whatever I can to help,” Goodman said last week. “I’ve been working a lot in the cage making some adjustments. Being able to find some consistency has helped a lot.”

Díaz’s injury has played a role besides just opening a lineup spot.

Goodman is a natural catcher. Colorado began to shuffle him around to the outfield, first base, and designated hitter, but he was a backstop throughout his career before.

The comfort allowed him to stay in tune with the game and enabled him to capture his first two-home-run game on June 15 against the Pirates. Since then, he’s hit .280, up from his career average of .194. 

Goodman was the designated hitter on Friday and understood the assignment. He’s been splitting time  with Jacob Stallings in Díaz’s stead. So his next chance behind the plate may come Saturday.

Colorado needs his breakout. The club is on pace for the second-fewest home runs in a full season in franchise history, even after it added three in Friday’s loss. Ezequiel Tovar and Ryan McMahon have combined for 25 of the Rockies’ 70 home runs.

Washington gave a blueprint with its 10 extra-base hits in its initial trip to Coors Field this year, the most for the franchise since 2021. 

The Blake Street Bombers’ fuse hasn’t been lit since 2019 when the club hit its second-most home runs in franchise history (224).

Goodman may just be the fire it needs.

Nationals 11, Rockies 5

What Happened: Washington shelled Dakota Hudson and rode the early lead to a series-opening win over the Rockies.

On the mound: Hudson allowed a season-high eight earned runs on 11 hits. Luis García Jr’s three-run home run was the most lethal. Each run came in the third and fourth innings after he started with two scoreless. Geoff Hartlieb continued the trend and allowed three earned runs in three innings. Victor Vodnik, Tyler Kinley and Nick Mears ended it with three combined scoreless frames. 

At the plate: Ezequiel Tovar hit his 12th home run as part of a team-high three hits. Nolan Jones hit his first long ball since April 12 in Toronto and added a (). Hunter Goodman added the team’s third home run and his fourth of the season-long homestand. Colorado had 11 hits, no walks, and went 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

What’s next: Washington Nationals (LHP Mitchell Parker, 5-3) at Colorado Rockies (RHP Cal Quantrill, 6-5) at 7:10 p.m. on Saturday at Coors Field.