WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Houston Astros opened their 2026 spring schedule with a 2–1 loss to the Washington Nationals on Friday afternoon at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.
With most veteran regulars still ramping up, Houston managed four hits and left nine runners on base, missing several chances to break the game open.
Gordon Efficient in Short Start
Left-hander Colton Gordon made the start in his first game action since finishing 2025 with a 5.34 ERA over 86 innings. His outing was brief but clean. Gordon threw 11 pitches (seven strikes), retired all three batters he faced, and handed the ball to AJ Blubaugh after one inning.
He recorded a flyout, strikeout, and groundout against the top of Washington’s order.
Whitcomb Sparks Lone Run
Houston’s only run came in the second inning. Shay Whitcomb singled, stole second, advanced to third on a passed ball, and scored on Nick Allen’s infield single. Allen’s RBI would stand as the Astros’ lone offensive production.
The Nationals responded with single runs to move ahead 2–1, and Houston could not cash in on late opportunities.
Defense and Development
While the offense stalled, there were flashes in the field. Nationals outfield prospect Andrew Pinckney showed off his arm strength with a laser throw to erase a runner in the first inning. Baseball America grades his arm as an 80, and he led all Triple-A outfielders last season with eight throws exceeding 100 mph.
For Houston, the focus remains evaluation, not results. José Altuve, Carlos Correa, Christian Walker, and Isaac Paredes are still building up and are not expected to see game action for at least another week.
What’s Next
The Astros return to action tomorrow at 12:05 p.m. CT against the St. Louis Cardinals at CACTI Park.
Top prospect Brice Matthews, Zach Cole, Joey Loperfido, and Cam Smith all saw time in the opener and should continue to get extended looks. Jeremy Peña (Dominican Republic), Zach Dezenzo (Italy), and Shay Whitcomb (South Korea) will also see regular at-bats before departing for the World Baseball Classic on March 4.
The standings do not matter in February. What matters is sorting out depth, evaluating young talent, and building toward April.
Box checked. Baseball is back.
