Harrell: Gets hook in seventh
(c) Associated Press
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Jerry Reed used to sing "When You're Hot, You're Hot". The 10-3 Washington Nationals are hot now, winning their third straight over the Astros including a 3-2 comeback on Wednesday.
Lucas Harrell and Jordan Zimmermann traded goose eggs until the fourth when Jordan Schafer bunted his way on, stole second and came in to score on a pair of grounders. That held up until the seventh. Harrell gave up doubles to Rick Ankiel and Roger Bernadina to tie it. Harrell allowed just four hits in 6-2/3rd innings and has been the rotation's best so far.
Houston took the lead again in the eighth and it was Schafer, again, with the key hit - a two-out single that drove in Jason Castro who had doubled.
The bullpen gave the lead right back in their half of the eighth. Fernando Rodriguez gave up a walk and a hit then Wesley Wright walked the only batter he faced. Rhiner Cruz then walked home the tying run before a sacrifice fly by Wilson Ramos plated the winning run.
Henry Rodriguez set down the Astros' final hopes with a 1-2-3 ninth, driving Houston to their seventh loss in their last eight games.
Bud Norris (0-0) will try to salvage something from the series when he pitches Thursday night in the finale. Edwin Jackson (1-0) will pitch for the Nats in the 6:05 Central tilt.
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