Nationals top Astros 6-3
The Washington Nationals got back to winning ways behind the arm of Stephen Strasburg (2-0) and the bat of rookie Steve Lobardozzi, defeating the Houston Astros 6-3. Strasburg pitched 6 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits and recording 5 strikeouts. Strasburg now has 19 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched.
Steve Lombardozzi had a career night, going 4-5 and doubling in 2 runs to give the Nats a 4-2 lead they would not relinquish. Lombardozzi's 2 run double was part of a 4 run sixth inning. In 12 at bats this season, Lombardozzi has 6 hits. The inning was capped off with a 2 run single by Ryan Zimmerman. Zimmerman finished 2-4 on the night.
The Nationals bullpen, as becoming customary, pitched a solid three scoreless innings, topped off with a scoreless ninth inning by Henry Rodriguez, who picked up his second save of the season. The bullpen racked up 5 more strikeouts.
The Nats improve to 8-3 with the second best record in the National League, next to the 9-1 Dodgers. They maintain a half game lead over the 7-3 New York Mets for the National League East lead.
