MLB: Houston 5, Washington 0

WASHINGTON, July 13 (UPI) -- Right-hander Brandon Backe scattered five hits over seven innings and Carlos Lee had three RBI for Houston Sunday in a 5-0 win over the Washington Nationals.

Backe (6-9) struck out five batters and helped the Astros' offense with two hits, a double and single.

Lee sent home two runs with one single and added an RBI with another single. Ty Wigginton added a solo homer for Houston.

Losing pitcher Odalis Perez (2-7) allowed three runs on nine hits in six innings.

The Nationals have lost nine of 11.