The Astros and starter Brandon Backe gave up all four runs for the Nationals in the first inning, three on a bases-loaded misjudged fly ball to center field that fell for a bases clearing double, and Nats starter Tony Armas Jr. threw no-hit ball for 5 1/3 innings as the Astros fell 4-2.
Lance Berkman provided the runs for the visitors with a two-run dinger in the 6th after a Craig Biggio walk, and the Astros had two runners on in the 9th with 1 out, but could not capitalize against Chad Cordero, who earned his 34th save of the season.
Several close plays at first going against the Astros got Scrap Iron tossed by first base ump Troy Fullwood.
It was Jamaica Night at RFK, with Jamaican Ambassador Gordon Shirley throwing out the first pitch. Obviously more familiar with cricket, the lefty diplomat looked more like a bowler than a pitcher as he bounced a one-hopper across the plate.
The Astros will play game four of this series tomorrow at 12:05 CST, Wandy Rodriguez (5-4, 6.79) vs. John Patterson (4-2, 2.69)