VIERA, Fla. (AP) — Rafael Soriano threw a scoreless inning of relief in his debut with Washington and the Nationals beat the Houston Astros 7-1 Tuesday.

Soriano signed a two-year, $28 million contract in January to become the Nationals new closer. The right-hander faced three batters in the seventh and struck out one.

Houston’s J.D. Martinez reached base against Soriano, but pinch-runner Brandon Barnes was thrown out trying to steal.

Danny Espinosa had two hits and two RBIs for Washington. Chad Tracy also drove in two runs.

Dan Haren gave up a run in three innings in his second spring start.

(Associated Press)

David J. Phillip