Sosa: Shelled (c) Associated Press

Well, mother always said if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. It's difficult to find nice things to say about a team destined to blow through the Houston Astros' record book for futility.

While the rest of the baseball world noted the second start for heralded pitcher Stephen Strasburg since his recovery from Tommy John surgery, those Astros fans who weren't pre-occupied with football noted the 97th loss of the season in their 8-2 setback at our nation's capital.

As Americans remembered the thousands killed ten years ago, including those who perished at the nearby Pentagon, D.C. fans could witness an assault of their own, led by back-to-back-to-back home runs in the third from Ian Desmond, Rick Ankiel and Ryan Zimmerman off Henry Sosa that propelled the Nats to a 5-1 lead.

Strasburg, however, didn't stay around long enough for the win. He was pulled after three innings and 57 pitches. He allowed a run in the first when Carlos Lee singled home Jimmy Paredes, who was pushed up to the second spot in the lineup as Brad Mills continued experimenting with the batting order.

The Astros added a so-what run in the ninth when Matt Downs doubled and scored on a throwing error.

Houston has lost 97 games three times before (1965, 1975 and 1991), but is likely to see that mark broken during the three-game homestand that opens Monday night against the Phillies. Roy Oswalt (7-8) might have the honor of hanging loss #98 on his old club when he faces Brett Myers (4-13) in the 7:05 Central opener.

If you won't come out to see Roy, it will also be a homecoming for recently traded outfielder Hunter Pence and long-departed reliever Brad Lidge. Come out to see a part of history in the making.