WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Ivan Rodriguez highlighted a seven-run eighth inning with a two-run homer Tuesday, carrying the Washington Nationals to an 8-4 win over Houston.
Trailing 3-1 entering the frame, the Nationals exploded for six hits, sending 11 men to the plate, and evened their four-game series with the Astros at one win apiece.
Rodriguez's homer off the left field foul pole tied the contest at 3-3 and the Nationals got run-scoring singles from Adam Kennedy, Ian Desmond, Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman in the big inning.
Tyler Clippard (10-6) was credited with the victory after throwing a scoreless top of the eighth for Washington, which won for only the third time in 13 games.
Felipe Paulino (1-9) was saddled with the defeat for allowing the go-ahead runs.
The Astros got a two-run homer from Jason Michaels and Chris Johnson added a solo shot in the loss.
