Ian Desmond, Rick Ankiel and Ryan Zimmerman hit consecutive home runs in the third inning as Washington beat visiting Houston 8-2 to win the rubber game of a three-game series at Nationals Park.

Washington’s Stephen Strasburg made his second start since returning from the DL but wasn’t around for the decision. Strasburg was limited to 57 pitches (39 of them strikes) and lasted just three innings, allowing a Carlos Lee RBI single while striking out four.

Tom Gorzelanny (3-6) pitched three scoreless innings of relief to earn the win, his first since May 7.

Henry Sosa (2-4) allowed five runs in 2 2/3 innings and took the loss. Sosa had not allowed more than four runs in his previous six starts.

The loss was the 97th of the season for Houston, which matched a club record.