Gonzalez K's first 5 Astros, then struggles as Nationals fall 7-3

VIERA, Fla. – Gio Gonzalez struck out the first five batters he faced then struggled to get out of the second inning as the Washington Nationals lost to the Houston Astros 7-3 Monday night.

Carlos Corporan followed George Springer's two-out infield hit, which tipped off of Gonzalez' glove, with a two-run homer. Gonzalez then gave up a walk, a double and hit a batter to load the bases before escaping on a flyball out.

Of perhaps more concern to the Nationals is that closer Rafael Soriano had his second rough outing, giving up five runs on five hits in just 2-3 of an inning.

Houston starter Lucas Harrell allowed one run and recorded 10 groundball outs in four innings.