The Washington Nationals battled back to take a one run lead in the eighth inning but could not hold onto it as the Astros scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth to take a one run lead and eventually beat the Nationals 6-5.

Talk about a heart breaking loss for the Nationals who could have really used this win against the Astros.  Luis Ayala gave up a two run double to Carlos Lee in the eighth inning to take the loss for the Nationals.  Ayala is now 1-2 on the season.

Nationals starting pitcher Shawn Hill lasted 5 1/3 innings before being pulled from the game.  Hill gave up eight hits and three runs while walking four batters and stricking out three others.  Saul Rivera gave up a run as well as he pitched an inning of relief.

 The Nationals did hit three home runs in the game and still only scored five runs.  Nick Johnson, Aaron Boone, and Austin Kearns all hit solo home runs in the game.  Cristian Guzman and Ryan Zimmerman also had a RBI in the game.

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The Nationals scored a run in the bottom of the eighth inning on a Austin Kearns single and then held off the Pirates in the ninth inning to secure a 3-2 victory over the Pirates.  Kearns single scored Cristian Guzman for the go ahead run.

Wil Nieves had two RBI to lead the Nationals in the game at the plate.

Odalis Perez pitched seven innings and only gave up three hits and two runs.  Perez had a much better outing then his last outing when he was roughed up pretty bad.  Luis Ayala pitched the eighth inning to pick up the win and Jon Rauch picked up the save in the ninth inning.  Ayala’s win was his first win of the season and Rauch’s save was his sixth.

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