2019 MLB – Houston Astros @ Washington Nationals Preview & Pick

THE FACTS

When is Houston Astros @ Washington Nationals taking place? Monday 28th October, 2019 – 00:07 (UK)

Where is Houston Astros @ Washington Nationals taking place? Nationals Park

What is the expected weather for Houston Astros @ Washington Nationals? Clear, 20c

What television channel is Houston Astros @ Washington Nationals on? BT Sport 1 in the UK / FOX in the US, ESPN in Latin America

Where can I stream Houston Astros @ Washington Nationals? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website or app in the UK / MLB.tv in the US, ESPN Play in Latin America

Where can I get tickets for Houston Astros @ Washington Nationals? https://www.mlb.com/tickets/season-tickets

What was the outcome in the last meeting? Houston Astros 8 – 1 Washington Nationals

THE TEAM NEWS

HOUSTON ASTROS

• The Astros have shifted the momentum of the 2019 World Series entirely, and they have done that by an unusual method – at least by their standards. The pitching has carried Houston all year long and has provided a boost when needed during the current postseason run, but this time, it was the offense that sparked the Astros towards a much-needed Game 4 victory. The pitching did their part by allowing just one run for the second consecutive game, but the offense broke free for Houston in the previous contest – they had 13 hits and scored eight runs, both series-high marks. With the series tied at two wins apiece, now Houston simply must win their two remaining home contests to clinch a second World Series title in the last three years.
  
• The Astros have not experienced injuries of late, so they remain at full strength entering this game. Jose Altuve had another solid game after going 2-for-5 with one run scored, but the biggest star was Alex Bregman. The talented third baseman went 3-for-5 with one run scored and five RBI, including a grand slam during the seventh inning. Bregman, however, is hitting just .222 so far in the 2019 World Series.
• Gerrit Cole will start Game 5 for the Astros. The star right-hander suffered a bad loss in Game 1 of the series, but he has been lights out during the current postseason run thanks to a 1.82 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP in four starts.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

• The Nationals were on a high note after winning the first two games of the 2019 World Series against the Astros at Minute Maid Park, but things quickly turned sour after they lost games 3 and 4. What’s even more complicated is how poor the Nationals have looked offensively in the last two games, a span where they have scored just two runs combined following the 17 they scored during the first two games of the series. They left nine runners on base and went 1-for-9 with runners on scoring position, meaning they are not taking advantage of their chances. That’s not a good omen considering they will deal with Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander in the next two games of the series.
  
• Washington are at full strength ahead of this game when it comes to injuries, but the offense seems to be broken and in need of a quick fix before it’s too late. For what it's worth, the lone Washington player that’s currently hitting over .300 in the World Series right now is Adam Eaton, who went 0-for-3 with a walk during Game 4.
• Max Scherzer will get the start for the Nationals in Game 5 after he threw a decent outing in Game 1 of the series. The veteran right-hander – one of the contenders for the NL Cy Young Award – has won his last three postseason starts, and he allowed two runs on five innings in the World Series opener earlier this week. He is 3-0 with a 2.16 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP in five playoff appearances (four starts) in 2019.

THE PREDICTION

Neither side has won at home during the current World Series, and that trend might continue here. It seems Houston have finally found a way to crack the Nats’ pitching, while Gerrit Cole will probably bounce back from what was a below-average – for his standards – effort in his previous start during this series. Pitching will probably decide this match-up and, with Cole on the mound, Houston should be seen as favourites to grab a 3-2 lead in the series.