Riley Adams' Homer Powers Nationals Past Slumping Astros 2-1

Monday, July 28th, 2025

HOUSTON — Riley Adams’ tiebreaking solo home run in the seventh inning propelled the Washington Nationals to a crucial 2-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Minute Maid Park.

The game stood tied 1-all with two outs in the seventh when Adams launched his 348-foot shot into the right field seats off Houston reliever Bryan King (3-2), putting the Nationals ahead.

The Astros attempted to rally in the bottom of the seventh. Christian Walker doubled to lead off the inning, followed by a walk to Jacob Melton. However, the threat was neutralized when Yainer Diaz grounded into a double play, and Luis García struck out Mauricio Dubón to end the inning.

Nationals pitching effectively closed out the game. Konnor Pilkington (2-0) earned the win by recording the final two outs of the sixth inning. Closer Kyle Finnegan secured his 20th save of the season, striking out one batter in a dominant ninth inning.

The loss extended a season-high losing streak for the Astros, who have now dropped five straight games, including a weekend sweep by the Athletics. The AL West leaders continue to struggle at home, losing 10 of their last 11 games in Houston, and have managed just one run in their last three contests.

Nationals’ starter Brad Lord was dominant early, retiring the first 14 Astros batters he faced. Houston finally broke through in the fifth inning when Yainer Diaz walked with two outs. Mauricio Dubón followed with a line-drive double to left field, scoring Diaz and giving the Astros a 1-0 lead.

Washington responded in the sixth. With two outs, Framber Valdez issued a walk to Josh Bell. Nathaniel Lowe then delivered a double to the right field corner, scoring Bell and knotting the game at 1-1.

Astros starter Framber Valdez delivered a strong performance despite the loss, allowing only three hits and one run over six innings while tying a season high with 12 strikeouts. Valdez also reached a significant career milestone, becoming the 10th pitcher in franchise history to surpass 1,000 career strikeouts (currently 1,007). Houston’s bullpen collectively added seven more strikeouts, tying a season high for the team with 19 total strikeouts.

Washington starter Brad Lord concluded his outing after 5 1/3 innings, yielding just one hit and one run.

Key Moment

Riley Adams' tiebreaking solo home run in the top of the seventh inning proved to be the decisive swing, breaking a 1-1 deadlock and securing the win for the Nationals.

Key Stat

Eleven of Riley Adams’ 22 hits this season have been for extra bases, highlighting his power potential in key situations.

Up Next

The series between the Nationals and Astros continues Tuesday night, July 29, 2025. RHP Michael Soroka (3-8, 4.85 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Washington Nationals. The Houston Astros have not yet announced their starting pitcher.

In summary

The Washington Nationals defeated the Houston Astros 2-1 on July 28, 2025, at Minute Maid Park. The decisive play was Riley Adams' solo home run in the seventh inning off Bryan King. Nationals pitchers Konnor Pilkington earned the win, and Kyle Finnegan secured his 20th save. The Astros' only run came in the fifth inning from a Mauricio Dubón RBI double. Houston's Framber Valdez pitched six strong innings with 12 strikeouts, reaching 1,000 career strikeouts. The loss extended the Astros' losing streak to five games, marking a challenging period for the AL West leaders. Brad Lord started for Washington, allowing just one run over 5 1/3 innings. The series is set to continue the following night.

Related Links

• Washington Nationals News & Updates
• Washington Nationals Schedule & Scores
• Houston Astros News & Updates
• Houston Astros Schedule & Scores
• MLB News