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The Astros shut out the Nationals in the rubber match of their three-game series with an 8-0 victory in D.C.Ā Justin Verlander was credited with the win, to improve his record to 5-and-1 on the mound, after pitching five scoreless innings.Ā MartĆn Maldonado, Jose Altuve, Yuli Gurriel, and Chas McCormick went deep for Houston in the victory.Ā The Astros improved to 23-and-12 to lead the AL West.Ā Houston kicks off a road series with the Red Sox tonight and sends right-hander Jake Odorizzi to the mound.Ā