Astros and Nationals: How did Washington’s 9th-inning rally overturn Houston’s early lead at CACTI Park?

The Houston Astros moved to 8-9 after a 3-2 loss to the Washington Nationals, who carried a 12-4 mark, at 6:05 PM EDT. The Astros finished with 2 runs on 7 hits and 1 error, while the Nationals posted 3 runs on 8 hits and 1 error in front of 2,962 at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.

First inning

The Astros scored 1 run on 2 hits in the 1st inning, and Houston’s line included 1 error in that frame. The Nationals were held scoreless in the 1st inning with 0 hits.

Third inning

The Astros added 1 run on 2 hits in the 3rd inning as Houston pushed its run total to 2. The Nationals collected 2 hits in the 3rd inning but did not score.

Fifth inning

The Nationals scored 1 run on 2 hits in the 5th inning to close the gap. The Astros had 0 hits and 0 runs in the 5th inning.

Ninth inning

The Nationals scored 2 runs on 3 hits with 1 error in the 9th inning to take the lead. The Astros had 0 runs and 0 hits in the 9th inning as Washington finished the comeback.

Key numbers and notable performances

The Astros logged 13 total bases with 4 extra-base hits and finished with a .212 batting average and a .651 on-base plus slugging in this Astros vs Nationals recap. Carlos Correa produced a .667 batting average and a 2.334 on-base plus slugging in his previous game line, and Yordan Alvarez entered off a 1.000 batting average with a 2.333 on-base plus slugging. On the mound, Astros starter Mike Burrows worked to a 0 earned run average with a 1.25 walks plus hits per inning pitched and a 11.25 strikeouts per 9 innings rate, while the Astros staff totaled 13 strikeouts with a 2.00 earned run average in Astros vs Nationals result analysis.

How it tilted

Houston left 13 runners on base and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position as the margin stayed narrow into the late innings in game-changing plays Astros vs Nationals. Washington’s 9th-inning push accounted for 2 of its 3 runs and matched its highest-scoring inning from the line score, which shaped the post game analysis.

The Astros are scheduled to face the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida on 03/13/2026 at 6:05 PM EDT, with the broadcast listed on Matrix-MW. Run it back by sharing this article with other Astros fans and sending it to a friend who follows the ‘Stros.