Astros Strike Late to Secure Win
Nick Allen and Jose Altuve provided the critical offense as the Houston Astros defeated the Washington Nationals 6-3 on Tuesday at Nationals Park. The win improved Houston’s record to 46-48, while the Nationals fell to 47-46.
Allen was instrumental in the game’s turning point during the fourth inning. He singled to left field, driving in two runs as Dezenzo and Walker crossed the plate. Matthews advanced to second base on the play.
Allen added another run in the same inning when Vázquez hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Matthews. This two-run hit in the fourth gave Houston a 4-2 lead that they would not relinquish.
Pitching Hold Off Nationals Rally
The Astros’ bullpen was particularly effective in preserving the lead. Steven Okert earned the win, pitching 1.1 innings with three strikeouts and no earned runs. Enyel De Los Santos and Bryan King each recorded a save opportunity, pitching scoreless innings to hold the advantage.
Bryan Abreu also contributed with a clean inning, striking out one batter. Josh Hader closed the game with his 10th save, working a scoreless frame despite walking one batter.
Washington’s starting pitcher Andrew Alvarez took the loss after allowing five earned runs in 5.7 innings. He faced 11 batters and struck out three. The Nationals’ relievers, including Riley Cornelio and Carson Palmquist, worked to keep the deficit manageable but could not overcome the offensive deficit.