Game Time: 8:05 PM
John Patterson, RHP (5-3, 2.42)Patterson will face the Astros for the second time this season. On July 24, he pitched eight innings, gave up one run on six hits and struck out a career-high 10 batters. However, Patterson didn't figure in the decision as the Nationals lost the game, 4-1, in 14 innings. In his last start, Patterson pitched the best game of his career. He threw his first complete game and helped the Nationals blank the Dodgers, 7-0. Patterson (5-3) gave up just four hits, struck out a career-high 13 and walked none. The Dodgers had runners in scoring position only twice in the game.
Ezequiel Astacio, RHP (2-4, 6.33)Astacio is coming off five shutout innings against the Diamondbacks in his last start on Wednesday. While that snapped a stretch of 22 straight games in which Houston starters have gone at least six innings, it still led to another team quality start and its ninth shutout. Astacio has won his last two decisions, and has allowed one run in his past 11 innings.
Starting Lineups: Washington Houston
1. Brandon Watson, LF Willy Taveras, CF
2. Jose Vidro, 2B Craig Biggio, 2B
3. Nick Johnson, 1B Lance Berkman, LF
4. Vinny Castilla, 3B Morgan Ensberg, 3B
5. Brad Wilkerson, CF Mike Lamb, 1B
6. Preston Wilson, RF Orlando Palmeiro, RF
7. Brian Schneider, C Adam Everett, SS
8. Cristian Guzman, SS Brad Ausmus, C
9. John Patterson, P Ezequiel Astacio, P