It’s tough to top perfect, which is what Houston Jared Cosart was for five innings as the Astros blanked the Nationals, 2-0. The loss drops Washington to .500 with mark of 10-10-1.
Taylor Jordan was losing pitcher, giving up a run on three hits and a walk over five innings while striking out five. Tyler Clippard was charged with the second run on a home run in the 8th. Ross Detwiler, Rafael Soriano, and Ross Ohlendorf each turned in a scorless inning in relief.
Anthony Rendon broke up the perfecto with one outs in the 6th and advanced to third after a two-out Denard Span single and an Ian Desmond walk. Ryan Zimmerman left ’em loaded with a flyout to right field.
In the 7th, the Nats were also a safety away from tying the game after singles by Jayson Werth and Wilson Ramos but neither Adam LaRoche nor Rendon get the equalizer.
The offense flailed for five straight K’s from the 8th through the 9th, a streak that included Zach Walters and Jeff Kobernus, who entered the game on defense at 3B and CF respectively.
Brock Peterson notched the fifth and final Washington hit with two out in the 9th before Sandy Leon ended it with foul pop.
Day baseball returns tomorrow with a visit to Jupiter for the Nationals. The Nationals confirmed after the game that tomorrow’s starter — Stephen Strasburg — will indeed be the Opening Day starter in New York, shocking nobody but MASN commenters.