Astros Take Control in the Middle Frames
The Houston Astros overcame an early deficit to defeat the Washington Nationals 6-3 on Tuesday, July 7, at Nationals Park. The victory improved Houston’s record to 46-48, while Washington fell to 47-46.
The game began with the Nationals taking an early lead. In the top of the first inning, a home run by Wood to right center, measuring 419 feet, gave Washington a 1-0 advantage. The Astros responded in the bottom of the second inning when Nick Allen drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to right field, tying the score at 1-1.
Washington regained the lead in the top of the third inning. An Abrams sacrifice fly to center field scored Wood, making it 2-1 for the home team. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the bottom of the fourth inning. Allen singled to left field, driving in two runs as Dezenzo and Walker crossed the plate. Vázquez later added another run with a sacrifice fly to center, putting Houston ahead 4-2.
Closing Out the Game
The Astros extended their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. Vázquez singled to right, allowing Dezenzo to score and making it 5-2. The game remained tense as the Nationals attempted a rally, but Houston’s pitching staff held firm.
In the top of the eighth inning, Jose Altuve provided the decisive blow with a home run to left center, 402 feet, extending the Astros’ lead to 6-2. The Nationals managed a late run in the top of the ninth inning when Tena homered to right center, 398 feet, bringing the final score to 6-3.
