Houston AstrosvsWashington Nationals
HOU 6/WSH 3
Things to say
The Astros beat the Nationals 6-3 in Washington.
01
opener
Astros took it 6-3 up in D.C. Houston jumped on them early and Washington spent the whole night chasing it. Never really felt as close as three runs.
02
key player
The top of Houston's order did all the damage. Heart of the order kept turning the lineup over and the Nats had no answer.
03
hot take
Honestly the Nationals bullpen is the problem. Their manager went to the pen too early again and it cost them the game.
04
deep cut
The Astros starter got into his stuff and went seven strong. That's the quiet part nobody talks about, saved the whole night.
05
exit
Getaway day tomorrow, so we'll see if Washington can steal one before they leave town.
The recap
Houston took care of business in the nightcap at Nationals Park, pulling away 6-3 to snap a rough stretch. The bats did the heavy lifting up and down the order, and once they got a couple of runs of cushion they never really let Washington back into it.
The Nats hung around at 3, but they couldn't string enough together against Houston's arms to make it a nail-biter. Getaway-day win that pushes the Astros back toward .500.