Can Astros' Rally in the 7th and 8th Innings Secure Victory at Nationals Park?

In a closely contested encounter, the Houston Astros now stand at 7-15 after a hard-fought game against the Washington Nationals, who improved their record to 9-11. The final score read 5-4 in favor of the home team after ten innings of play.

The Astros started strong with a lead in the first inning, thanks to an early offensive push that resulted in one run off two hits. However, this initial momentum was met with resistance as the Nationals matched their effort with one run of their own. The visitors managed to maintain pressure throughout but faced challenges on defense, committing two errors over the course of the game.

Houston's hitters showed resilience at bat, achieving nine hits and securing three runs during crucial seventh and eighth innings rallies. Their performance included hitting .250 for the game and reaching base at a .282 clip. Despite leaving six runners stranded on base by inning's end and eleven runners in scoring position throughout, they were able to convert three times when it mattered most.

On an individual level, Houston's pitching staff had moments of effectiveness but also struggled with control at times. The bullpen contributed three innings pitched with an ERA of 3.0 but allowed unearned runs that ultimately tipped the scales against them. They struck out four batters while giving up four hits and two walks.

The Nationals capitalized on opportunities presented by defensive missteps from Houston fielders who registered a .947 fielding percentage due to those two errors which led directly to runs for Washington.

Looking ahead for fans eager to support their team: The next game featuring Houston Astros will take place at Nationals Park against Washington Nationals on April 21st at 1:35 PM Eastern Time. This matchup can be viewed live on MASN network for those following along from home or elsewhere.