Jordan Zimmermann (8-6, 2.45) vs Lucas Harrell (9-7, 3.98)
Coming into tonight, the Astros had lost 33 of their last 37 games. Danny Knobler of CBS Sports noted earlier today that no team had lost 34 of 38 since the 1949 Washington Senators. In their final National League game against the current Washington team, Houston seized upon the opportunity to equal that mark. Nationals complete the sweep, Astros lose 5-0, and they now sit at 36-77 overall.
*Lucas Harrell pitched well once again, but he ran up his pitch count such that he left the game at 100 pitches after only five innings. Lucas' line: 5 IP / 5 H / 2 R / 2 ER / 2 BB / 5 K. Mickey Storey had trouble with Michael Morse again, giving up a solo HR to Morse in his one inning. Xavier Cedeno pitched 0.2 scoreless, then Fernando Rodriguez gave up another solo HR to Morse in 1.1 IP. Wesley Wright surrendered singles to all three batters he faced in the 9th before being lifted, then Chuckie Fick allowed one to score on a sacrifice fly before recording the final three outs.
Observations:
*Very little on offense for the Astros tonight - 5 hits and 1 BB against 14 K.
*Brett Wallace was the only man seemingly unfazed by Nationals pitching tonight, going 3 for 4 with a double and a strikeout.
*Steve Pearce also had a double, going 1 for 4 with 2 K.
*Marwin Gonzalez (1 for 4, 2 K) had the other Houston hit, and Justin Maxwell (0 for 3, 2 K) had the only walk.
*Maxwell did also have a nice running/diving catch on Tal's Hill to rob Jayson Werth in the 4th.
Turning Point:
Harrell had allowed only a single while striking out five through the first three innings, but then he allowed the first three Nationals to reach in the 4th on two singles and a walk, resulting in their first run. Morse then hit a sac fly to right to drive in their second run. Another single and another walk followed, not resulting in any further scoring, but the game was already lost.
Man of the Match:
Brett Wallace. Responding to being benched against last night's lefty with three hits - including one in his only at bat against a lefty tonight.
Goat of the Game:
Wesley Wright, though it hardly mattered with the lack of offense.
