Washington @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 8, 2012 ) Washington 4, Houston 3

The Houston Astros haven’t stopped losing - in fact, they’ve started losing in heartbreaking fashion. After a pair of extra-inning setbacks in the first two games against the Washington Nationals, the Astros lost the third game in the bottom of the ninth, leaving the tying run at third base and the winning run on second. Overall, Houston has dropped 33 of their last 37 games and has slipped to 40 games below .500.

The Nationals own the best record in the majors and will go for the four-game sweep on Thursday. After bullpen breakdowns in the first two games of the series, Washington put it all on starter Gio Gonzalez on Wednesday and were treated with a complete game. The Nationals are hoping that day off will do some good for back-end relievers Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard, who have been overworked of late. The Astros get credit for not quitting on the season, as the last three nights have shown that the players still have some fight left as the youngsters attempt to establish themselves in the big leagues.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), FSH (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Jordan Zimmermann (8-6, 2.45 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lucas Harrell (9-7, 3.98)

Zimmermann was named the National League Pitcher of the Month in July after going 4-0 with a 0.95 ERA in the period. Things did not get off to such a good start in August, as the 26-year old was reached for five runs (four earned) and seven hits over five innings against Miami in a no decision last Saturday. Zimmermann still has not lost since June 22 and yielded one run in seven innings against Houston back on April 18.

Harrell has been one of the few bright spots for the Astros this season, firmly establishing himself as a major-league starter and getting stronger as the season has gone on. The 27-year old has allowed two earned runs or fewer in five straight starts and seven of his last eight. Harrell has won his last two starts but lost his command a bit at Atlanta last Saturday, issuing five walks while allowing two runs in six innings. The right-hander faced Zimmermann and Washington on Apr. 18 and surrendered one run on four hits in 6 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals rookie OF Bryce Harper has hit a rough patch, going 0-for-12 in the first three games of the series.

2. Houston All-Star Jose Altuve had two hits on Wednesday to lift his average back to an even .300.

3. Washington OF Michael Morse has hit safely in 17 straight games.