Riley Adams hits a tiebreaking solo homer in the seventh inning, lifting the Washington Nationals to a 2-1 win over the Houston Astros.

With the undermanned Astros’ offense struggling to score runs, the starting pitchers are being left with little margin for error these days. And the only run Astros starter Framber Valdez allowed in M

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.

How can the Astros maintain their lead in the AL West with injuries mounting, and do the injuries indicate a larger organizational problem?

Preview the July 28 matchup between the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

Its Monday, July 28 and the Nationals (43-62) are in Houston to open a series against a suddenly scuffling Astros team (60-46). Brad Lord is slated to take the mound for Washington against Framber Valdez for Houston.

Framber Valdez pitched seven effective innings for his 10th straight win, Brice Matthews hit his third homer in two games and the Houston Astros rallied to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1.