Nats storm back from down 5, then hold off Astros 12-11

Field Level Media|published: Mon 6th July, 21:52 2026

Jul 6, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals designated hitter James Wood (29) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a grand slam during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

James Wood hit a grand slam, CJ Abrams had three hits including a three-run homer and the host Washington Nationals rallied from an early five-run deficit before holding on to beat the Houston Astros 12-11 on Monday night.

Curtis Mead had a solo home run among his three hits and added three RBIs for Washington, which scored 11 straight runs in one stretch. Nasim Nunez also had three hits and scored twice.

Jose Altuve and Brice Matthews hit three-run homers and Yainer Diaz had a two-run shot for Houston.

With Houston trailing 12-7, Braden Shewmake doubled home LaMonte Wade Jr. with two outs in the eighth, moving Diaz to third. Matthews followed with a three-run homer off Cole Henry and Houston was within 12-11.

Clayton Beeter got the final four outs for his seventh save.

Miles Mikolas (3-7) picked up the win despite allowing seven runs on nine hits over six innings.

Staked to the early lead, Houston's Mike Burrows (4-9) allowed 10 runs (seven earned) on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings.

Houston took a 1-0 lead in the first when Isaac Paredes walked and scored on a double by Christian Walker, but Washington tied it in its half when Wood walked and scored on Mead's double.

In the second, Shewmake and Matthews singled with two outs and Altuve followed with a homer to left to make it 4-1.

The next inning, Cam Smith drew a two-out walk and Diaz homered to left for a 6-1 Houston lead.

Washington quickly tied it up. Nunez singled leading off the bottom of the third and stole second. After Wood walked, Luis Garcia Jr. doubled in Nunez. Mead singled home Wood, and Abrams smacked his 19th homer of the season, a line drive to right to tie it at 6-all.

Mead homered leading off the fifth to give Washington a 7-6 lead. Abrams singled and Dylan Crews reached on an error by Shewmake. After Jacob Young singled to load the bases, Abrams scored on a Drew Millas sacrifice fly. Nunez was safe with an infield hit after a Washington challenge, and Wood followed with a grand slam to center, his 24th homer of the season.

--Field Level Media

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