Both homers came off Nats starter A.J. Cole, who gave up seven runs on six hits and three walks over 3 2/3 innings. He was coming off what was easily his best Grapefruit League outing, throwing four no-hit innings against the Marlins last Thursday, but said he did not have this stuff from the outset on Wednesday.
"My pitches weren't as sharp," Cole said. "I had a little bit of command with all my pitches. Pitches just weren't sharp."
Astros starter Joe Musgrove, battling for a rotation spot, worked four innings, allowing two runs on three hits.