Nats Snap Astros Winning Streak

Willie Harris and Rob Mackowiak homered to help the Washington Nationals beat Houston 8-3 last night and end the Astros' five-game winning streak. John Lannan (3-3) allowed seven hits in six innings and the Nationals snapped Houston's eight-game winning streak at Minute Maid Park. The Astros averaged 7.3 runs and 11.5 hits in their previous eight home games.

Austin Kearns had a two-run single off Brandon Backe (2-4) as the Nationals won for the third time in their last 15 road games. Backe had a career-high nine strikeouts, but lost for only the fifth time in his last 21 decisions at home. Lance Berkman went 2-for-3 and has five consecutive multihit games.  Nick Johnson has reached base in 27 of 30 starts this season. (More Washington Nationals stories.)