Houston Astros
· 2026-07-08
Houston Astros snapped a short skid with a 6-3 win over the Washington Nationals on July 7, 2026, lifting the club to a 46-48 record, 8th place in the American League and beginning a one‑game winning streak.
The Astros leaned on a balanced attack, stringing together 14 hits and driving in eight runs across seven innings. Starter Mike Burrows delivered six solid innings, allowing just two runs while striking out seven. The bullpen held firm, with reliever Ryan Pressly closing the game after a crucial double‑play in the eighth.
Outfielder José Altuve led the offense with a two‑run single in the third and a sacrifice fly in the sixth. Rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña added a solo homer that broke a 2-2 tie. On the mound, Burrows posted a 4.71 ERA but kept the Nationals’ slugging in check, and the bullpen posted a combined 2.95 ERA over 12 innings.
The Astros have compiled 142 doubles and 120 homers, posting a .410 slugging percentage while striking out 742 batters. Their team batting average sits at .242, and they rank 16th in runs per game with 4.5. Defensively, Houston’s fielding percentage is .988, placing them seventh in the league, and the bullpen’s save percentage sits at 83.9%.
Moving to 46-48 keeps Houston within striking distance of a playoff spot, especially as the AL West tightens. The victory improves their run differential and gives the rotation a much‑needed confidence boost ahead of a tough road stretch. If the bullpen maintains its 83.9% save rate, the Astros could string together more wins and climb the standings.
Houston returns home next weekend to face the Texas Rangers, a series that could determine whether the club stays above the .500 mark. Manager Scott Brown will likely stick with Burrows if he’s fully rested, while the lineup may see Altuve move to the leadoff spot to spark the top of the order. The next few games will be critical for solidifying a postseason push.