Verlander allowed six hits, struck out seven and walked one.
Nationals starter Tom Gorzelanny went five innings, allowing a two-run homer to Don Kelly in the third inning. Gorzelanny gave up four hits overall and struck out three and walked two.
Kelly, who had two hits, replaced Ordonez in the lineup.
Matt Stairs hit a solo home run in the seventh inning for the Nationals. Alberto Gonzalez was 4 for 4 for Washington, with four singles.
The Nationals made four errors and lost their seventh consecutive game.