Four Houston pitchers -- starter Framber Valdez and relievers Bryan King, Bryan Abreu and Josh Hader -- combined for 19 strikeouts. However, the Astros managed only four hits in a 2-1 loss to the Nationals, their sixth consecutive home loss and fifth straight defeat overall.

Two days of complementary offense gave way to a quiet finale. The Astros will not rue a series victory against one of baseball’s best teams, but a chance at a sweep eluded them in a listless showing from their lineup Sunday.

Nationals: Mike Soroka (3-8, 4.85 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 83 strikeouts); Astros: Jason Alexander (1-1, 8.14 ERA, 1.91 WHIP, 14 strikeouts) BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Astros take on the Washington Nationals after losing five games in a row.