WASHINGTON — Jose Altuve doubled twice and scored both times, Zack Greinke repeatedly worked out of trouble, and the Houston Astros showed they were not going to go quietly, beating the Nationals 4-1 to cut their deficit to 2-1 in the best-of-seven Fall Classic.

Houston can even things in Game 4 on Saturday night at Nationals Park. Washington will start $140 million lefty Patrick Corbin, while Houston manager A.J. Hinch declined to reveal his pitching plan when asked about it before Game 3.

Washington’s eight-game winning streak, tied for the longest in a single postseason, ended with a sloppy performance in the first Series game hosted by the nation’s capital since the Senators lost to the New York Giants in 1933.

Joe Smith worked around a one-out single from pinch-hitter Howie Kendrick to move the Astros within three outs of taking Game 3.

Houston leads Washington 4-1 after eight innings. The Nationals won the first two games in Houston.

The Nationals left 11 men on base after hitting .333 with runners in scoring position in the first two games.

Joe Ross worked two scoreless innings for Washington.

Will Harris became the first Astros pitcher to retire the Nationals in order Friday night.

Harris retired all five hitters he faced.