2019 MLB World Series Game 2 – Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros Preview & Pick
THE FACTS
When is Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros taking place? Thursday 24th October, 2019 – 01:07 (UK)
Where is Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros taking place? Minute Maid Park
What is the expected weather for Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros? Clear, 23c
What television channel is Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros on? BT Sport 1 in the UK / FOX, FOX-INT in the US / ESPN in Latin America
Where can I stream Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website or app in the UK / Fox Sports GO, MLB.tv in the US
Where can I get tickets for Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros? https://www.mlb.com/tickets/season-tickets
What was the outcome in the last meeting? Washington Nationals 5 – 4 Houston Astros
THE TEAM NEWS
WASHINGTON NATIONALS
- The Nationals continue to shock the world and they extended their postseason winning run to seven games following a hard-fought 5-4 win over the Astros in Game 1 of the World Series. Washington secured the win despite notching fewer hits than the Astros (nine to Houston’s 10) but the pitching picked up the slack. The Nationals registered 12 strikeouts against five walks, including none in the final 2.2 innings as they simply executed better down the stretch.
- The Nationals won’t have any injury concern ahead of Game 2 of the World Series and will be able to field the best squad available for their final games of the campaign. Juan Soto was Washington’s best player in Game 1 (3-for-4, solo HR, 3 RBI) but he has been on fire all postseason long. During the entire postseason run, the 20-year-old outfielder is hitting .286 with three home runs, 10 RBI and a .909 OPS.
- Stephen Strasburg will get the start for Game 2 of the World Series. The right-hander has arguably been Washington’s best pitcher during the current playoff run, posting a 1.64 ERA to go along with 33 strikeouts and just one walk. He owns a career 1.10 playoff ERA, the third lowest in MLB history among pitchers with at least five postseason starts.
HOUSTON ASTROS
- The Astros registered an MLB-high 107 games during the regular season and won five of six games at Minute Maid Park during the current postseason run, but they dropped the first game of the current series which means they are now forced to steal at least one game at Nationals Park if they want to win their second World Series title in the last three years. Through their 12 postseason matches, the Astros have gone 7-5 and while they recorded more hits than their opponents in Game 1, their situational hitting left a lot to be desired. They went 3-for-12 with runners in scoring position.
- The Astros do not currently have injury concerns so manager A.J. Hinch should routinely have their best players available. Keep an eye on rookie Yordan Alvarez here. The rookie slugger had lots of problems against the New York Yankees in the ALCS, but his bat came alive during Game 1 against Washington after going 2-for-3 with a walk, but he also left three stranded on base.
- Cy Young candidate Justin Verlander has been confirmed as the Game 2 starter for the Astros. The veteran right-hander has not looked as strong as he did during the regular season, and has posted a 3.70 ERA in four playoff appearances thus far.
THE PREDICTION
There is no question the Nationals shocked the world with their Game 1 win and considering the pitching matchup, this game will likely be decided on the mound. Considering Justin Verlander’s up-and-down postseason so far, and the fact that Stephen Strasburg has been one of the best pitchers in the postseason this year, the Nationals appear to have an edge heading towards Game 2. Especially if they can hit the ball as hard as they did against Gerrit Cole in Game 1.
