Washington 7 HOUSTON 6 (CBS Sports Boxscore)

After Big 1st, Nats Outlast The Astros – The Post

Fast start holds up for Nats – The Wash. Times

In rookie John Lannan’s penultimate start of the season, the Nats gave him a five run cushion in the first inning. All nine batters hit in that inning with six getting hits off of Juan Gutierrez who made his first start. Lannan last five innings, giving up three runs. He struggled with his command, throwing about half his pitches for strikes. The rookie will be shut down after his next turn to prevent his arm from wearing out.

Austin Kearns had a 3 for 4 night for the Nats. Ronnie Belliard homered too. Ryan Zimmerman and Dmitri Young also had RBI doubles in the first.

Luis Ayala gave up a run out the bullpen in the sixth while Chad Cordero allowed a Carlos Lee two run homer in the ninth. Cordero still got the save though, his 28th.

The Nats move on to Colorado and Shawn Hill is wondering what the thin Denver air will do to his sinker (The Post). The Rockies and the Nats opponent after them have playoff aspirations, so the Nats look to play spoiler (The Wash. Times) on their trip out west.

Free Ride (Express) seems happy to see Wily Mo Peña in a curly W.