WASHINGTON 4 Houston 3 (CBS Sportsline Boxscore)

1B Dimitri Young hit a go-ahead three run homer in the sixth to reclaim the lead from the Astros and put the Nats up 4-2. Ronnie Belliard got on base to start the rally. Seeing 3B Morgan Ensberg playing back, Ryan Zimmerman bunted for a hit to set the table for Young.

The Nats got 5 shutout innings from Mike Bacsik before a Felipe Lopez throwing error in the sixth started a two run rally for Houston. Bacsik left the game without a decision after 5 2/3. Saul Rivera benefited from Young’s homer to get the win. Jon Rauch gave up a Carlos Lee home run in the eighth, but Chad Cordero faced the minimum in the ninth to earn his 16th save and a win for the home team.

Barry Larkin, one of Jim Bowden’s trusted former Reds, was in town to offer his insights to the Nats offensive woes.

Larkin Watches, Nats Win – The Post

Young’s homer propels Nats – The Wash. Times

Brian Schneider is on pace to catch over 130 games (The Post) this season.

The bullpen has been a bright spot for much of this season (The Wash. Times). It should get help soon with Jesus Colome back with the team, though not performing any baseball duties, after his infection on his buttocks…Micah Bowie is taking longer to heal than expected…Shawn Hill will throw off the mound today.