Nationals 1, Astros 0: Gio Gonzalez and two relievers combined on a four-hitter, and a defensive miscue allowed Adam LaRoche's blooper to drop and drive in the only run as host Washington won for the seventh time in eight games.

The National League East leaders didn't manage much offense against Houston starter Wandy Rodriguez (0-2) and the Astros bullpen, but the run they squeezed across was enough for Gonzalez and Washington's loaded bullpen.

With two outs in the fourth, LaRoche popped up into shallow left and slammed his bat down in frustration. Shortstop Jed Lowrie appeared poised to make the catch, but he pulled back at the last second with left fielder J.D. Martinez charging in and the ball dropped safely to score Jayson Werth.

Gonzalez (1-0) struck out eight and walked two over seven scoreless innings, allowing two hits, and Tyler Clippard and Brad Lidge each pitched a scoreless inning in relief. Lidge allowed a double to Lowrie and walked Martinez to start the ninth before retiring three straight to record his second save.

The Nationals have won the first two games of the four-game series.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The Nationals have allowed 30 runs in 12 games, including two or fewer seven times. … Werth went 2-for-3 to extend his hitting streak to nine games and raise his average to .362. … Rodriguez allowed five hits over seven innings and dropped to 5-2 against Washington.