Astros triple up on Jackson

By Dan Kolko

Nationals

April 19, 2012, 4:01pm

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Five days ago, Edwin Jackson tossed a complete-game gem, allowing one run on two hits with nine strikeouts. Yeah, things haven't gone quite that smoothly so far this outing. Jackson got lit up in the first inning tonight, allowing six straight hits and five runs. Remarkably, three of Houston's six hits were triples, marking the first time in Astros history they've recorded three triples in an inning. It also ties an Astros record for most triples in a single game. Jackson was able to drag himself off the mound by retiring the eighth and ninth hitters in Houston's order - shortstop Marwin Gonzalez and pitcher Bud Norris - but not before the Nationals had been put in a 5-0 hole. In many ways, this two-game stretch epitomizes what Jackson brings to the table. He can be dominant any time he takes the mound, blowing hitters away with a mid-90s fastball and nasty offspeed stuff. But he also can also be wild, work himself into tough spots and go through streaks of complete ineffectiveness. The Nats have been comeback kids through the first two weeks of the season, but they're in a big hole early on tonight.