WASHINGTON -- Anthony Rendon homered to spark a three-run seventh inning, and pinch-hitter Nate McLouth came through with a tiebreaking sacrifice fly as the Washington Nationals rallied past the Houston Astros 6-5 Wednesday night for a two-game sweep. Washington extended its NL East lead to 1 1/2 games over Atlanta and Miami. The Nationals open a four-game series against the Braves on Thursday night in Washington. Rendon led off the seventh against Josh Zeid with his 10th home run, cutting the deficit to 5-4. Jayson Werth walked and went to third on Adam LaRoches single off Darin Downs (1-1). Kyle Farnsworth came on to face Ryan Zimmerman, who grounded into a fielders choice, beating the relay to first as Werth scored to tie it. Ian Desmond then doubled Zimmerman to third. After Danny Espinosa was intentionally walked, McLouths long fly to left field scored Zimmerman with the go-ahead run. Aaron Barrett (3-0) got one out for the win and Rafael Soriano earned his 15th save. Matt Dominguez drove in two runs for the Astros, who have lost three straight. Rendon, a Houston native, is 9 for 18 against the Astros with seven RBIs. For the second night in a row, neither starter made it past the fifth inning. Astros right-hander Scott Feldman left after five innings with a 4-2 lead. He gave up six hits and three walks while striking out five. Gio Gonzalez, activated Wednesday after missing 29 games due to left shoulder inflammation, pitched five innings, allowing four runs and five hits. He struck out six and walked three while throwing 93 pitches. Gonzalez has allowed 16 earned runs over 12 1-3 innings in his last three starts, including his last two before going on the disabled list. His ERA climbed to 4.94, the highest it has been in June or later since 2009. A replay review helped Washington take a 1-0 lead in the first. Denard Span walked and was called out attempting to steal second. Nationals manager Matt Williams challenged the call, and after a replay review it was overturned. Span then moved to third on an infield single by Rendon and scored on LaRoches sacrifice fly. In the third, Werth walked, stole second and scored on Desmonds single. With Houston trailing 2-0 in the fourth, five straight Astros reached safely. After a walk and a hit batter, Jon Singleton singled to load the bases. With the count 2-1, Dominguez lined Gonzalezs fastball to left field for a two-run single. Jason Castro followed with an RBI double and Jonathan Villar added a sacrifice fly to put Houston ahead 4-2. The Nationals cut the deficit to one when Spans two-out double in the sixth scored Espinosa. The Astros got it right back in the seventh. Robbie Grossman went from first to third on a single by Jose Altuve and scored on Ross Detwilers wild pitch. NOTES: The Nationals stole a season-high five bases, all in the first three innings. ... Houston RHP Brad Peacock (stomach virus) didnt make the trip to Washington and will rejoin the team Thursday when it opens a four-game series at Tampa Bay. ... RHP Jordan Zimmermann (5-3, 2.98 ERA) opposes Atlanta RHP Gavin Floyd (1-2, 2.98) in Thursdays series opener. ... Houston RHP Collin McHugh (4-4, 3.03) faces RHP Chris Archer (3-4, 3.40) on Thursday at Tampa Bay. Comprar New Balance Rebajas . QUARTERBACKS Carson Palmer (vs Colts)Last week: 30/42, 419 yards, 2 TDsWinners of their last three and now tied for the final wild card spot in the NFC, the Cardinals are worth keeping an eye on. New Balance Outlet Online España . The Nevada Athletic Commission voted unanimously in Las Vegas to quit granting therapeutic use exemptions for fighters undergoing the so-called TRT. http://www.newbalancebaratas.es/. She still remembers the massive roar of the home crowd when the Canadians walked out on the pitch before 47,784 fans at Commonwealth Stadium in 2002. Lang expects a similar reception for the Canadian team as the host nation at this years tournament, which begins Tuesday. New Balance Baratas España .C. -- Duke sophomore Rodney Hood is entering the NBA draft. New Balance Baratas Outlet . The 24-year-old right winger has one assist in nine games this season with the Sabres. In his career, he has three goals and six assists in 43 NHL games.OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook will miss the first 4-6 weeks of the NBA season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday. General Manager Sam Presti said the three-time All-Star had knee swelling that would not subside, and the procedure was intended to solve the problem. He said doctors determined that a loose stitch was to blame for the swelling, that Westbrooks lateral meniscus has healed properly and the procedure was successful. "Russell has been incredible in his work and rehabilitation," Presti said. "His performance levels have been tremendous, and hes looked great in the part of practice that hes been cleared to go through. So, we were very, very encouraged in that respect. But when the swelling wasnt subsiding, we made the decision to have the knee evaluated." Westbrook also had surgery in May to repair cartilage in his right knee after he was hurt in Game 2 of Oklahoma Citys first-round playoff series with Houston. He had had never missed a game in his five NBA seasons before the injury. Westbrook averaged 23.2 points and 7.4 assists per game last season, but he wound up watching the Thunders second-round playoff exit to Memphis from the bench. Westbrook was hurt on April 24 when Rocckets rookie Patrick Beverley lunged for a steal as Westbrook stopped to call a timeout in the second quarter of Game 2.dddddddddddd He remained in the game and it wasnt until two days later that the team announced hed miss the rest of the playoffs. Beverley has said he wasnt trying to hurt anyone and was simply trying to make a play. Last week, Westbrook said once hes fully recovered, he doesnt plan on changing anything about his playing style, including his ability to drive to the basket. Oklahoma City needs offensive help alongside Kevin Durant and Westbrook following the departure of Kevin Martin, who averaged 14 points per game last season. Some of the offence is expected to be picked up by third-year guard Reggie Jackson, who averaged 13.9 points in the playoffs after averaging just 5.3 during the regular season. Also, forward Serge Ibaka returns after averaging 13.2 points per game last season. Presti said losing Westbrook in the early going was worth it for the peace of mind. "Of course, both from the standpoint wed like to have him on the floor as soon as possible, but in this case, although we lose a little bit of time, we gained a tremendous amount of confidence in the actual progression and recovery process of the knee itself," he said. ' ' '