Astros Take Control
Jose Altuve launched a home run and Nick Allen contributed three runs batted in to lead the Houston Astros past the Washington Nationals 6-3 on Tuesday at Nationals Park. The victory improved the Astros’ record to 46-48, while the Nationals fell to 47-46.
The game began with the Nationals taking an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Wood homered to right center, measuring 419 feet. The Astros responded in the bottom of the second inning. Allen hit a sacrifice fly to right field that allowed Walker to score, tying the game at 1-1 with Smith advancing to third base.
Washington regained the lead in the top of the third inning. Abrams hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Wood to make it 2-1. However, the Astros quickly reclaimed the advantage in the bottom of the fourth inning. Allen singled to left field, driving in Dezenzo and Walker to put Houston ahead 3-2. Matthews advanced to second base on the play. One batter later, Vázquez hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Matthews to extend the Astros’ lead to 4-2.
Pitching Dominance
Houston’s bullpen maintained the lead throughout the middle innings. The Astros’ pitching staff held the Nationals scoreless after the third inning until the final frame. Andrew Alvarez took the loss for Washington, pitching 5.2 innings and allowing five earned runs on four hits with five walks and three strikeouts. His record dropped to 2-2.
