Nats getting no-hit through six innings (Nats lose 5-1)

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - A day after Davey Johnson said he wasn't worried about his team's offensive struggles, his players are pushing things a bit. The Nationals have yet to record a hit through six innings of play against the Astros this afternoon, and have just sent just one over the minimum to the plate. Their lone base runner came in the first, when Danny Espinosa walked with one out. The Astros, on the other hand, are having no trouble putting runs on the board. They've had five guys cross the plate so far, and have smacked the ball all over the park, putting up 11 hits through six. Jordan Zimmermann is done after five innings of work, having allowed four runs on eight hits with one walk and three strikeouts. He gave up a solo homer in the fifth to Brian Bixler. Yes, that Brian Bixler. Zimmermann threw 74 pitches, 51 for strikes. Tyler Clippard came on to relieve Zimmermann in the sixth, and promptly gave up a long homer to left on the first pitch he threw. Chris Johnson was the Astro who treated Clippard so rudely. All-in-all, not a stellar day for a Nats team which last won a spring game on March 12. The Nats are 0-8-1 in their last nine, and don't appear likely to snap that streak today. Update: At least they snapped the no-no. Jayson Werth got the Nats in the hit column in the seventh when his slow roller up the middle snuck between the gloves of Houston's shortstop and second baseman. And the Nats fans here in Kissimmee rejoice. Update II: The Nationals lost to the Astros 5-1.