2019 MLB World Series Game 6 – Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros Preview & Pick
THE FACTS
When is Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros taking place? Wednesday 30th 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? Mostly cloudy, 24c
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, ESPN Play in Latin America
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 1 – 7 Houston Astros
THE TEAM NEWS
WASHINGTON NATIONALS
- The Nationals won the first two games at Minute Maid Park and seemed set to win the World Series title at home, knowing they needed just two wins out of three matches at Nationals Park while riding an eight-game winning streak. However, they disappeared from the field in the subsequent three contests. Washington averaged just 1.0 run and 5.67 hits per game between Games 3 and 5, losing all three. Now they have their backs against the wall and must win the remaining two contests on the road to prevent Houston from winning a second World Series title in three years.
- The Nationals might have lost their top pitcher, as Max Scherzer couldn’t pitch in Game 5 due to neck spasms and it looks highly unlikely that he will be ready for a potential Game 7 start or even a bullpen appearance if the team needs him. Plus, catcher Kurt Suzuki has been dealing with a hip problem but while he wasn’t ready to start in Game 5, he could come back to his regular catching duties on Tuesday. Juan Soto is coming off a 2-for-4 outing in Game 5 and he could spark the offense ahead of this decisive do-or-die Game 6.
- Stephen Strasburg will get the start for Game 6 of the World Series. The right-hander had already been Washington’s best pitcher during the current playoff run, posting a 1.93 ERA, but his importance grew considerably following the injury sustained by Max Scherzer. He already defeated the Astros in Game 2 – where he tossed six innings – and owns a career 1.34 playoff ERA.
HOUSTON ASTROS
- The Astros won an MLB-high 107 games during the regular season, and that has translated to success so far with five wins out of seven games at Minute Maid Park during the current playoff run. Even though they lost the first two of the series against the Nationals, they enter this game on a high note thanks to their current three-game winning streak. Over that three-game run, the Astros have averaged 6.3 runs and 11.3 hits per game while allowing just 1.0 runs per game against them. It’s clear they enter this potential title-clinching game firing in all cylinders.
- Yordan Alvarez is expected to return to the designated hitter role which opens a spot in the outfield that could be used by Josh Reddick, as the veteran outfielder and Gold Glove candidate has been on the bench for the past two games. After a disastrous ALCS against the New York Yankees (.045 with a .170 OPS), Alvarez has been on fire in the World Series and is hitting .545 with a 1.433 OPS.
- Cy Young candidate Justin Verlander has been confirmed as the Game 6 starter for the Astros. The veteran right-hander became the all-time leader in postseason strikeouts during his most recent appearance, but he has a 0-5 record with a 5.73 ERA in six previous World Series starts. Houston will rely on him – as they have done all year long – to carry them towards the promised land in front of their fans.
THE PREDICTION
This has been a World Series for the ages, with no home wins over the first five contests and with the momentum switching back and forth on a regular basis. However, it’s undeniable the Astros enter this game on a better run of form. They are coming off three straight wins, their offense is clicking, and they will have the better pitcher on the mound as well. Expect them to cap things off with a World Series title in Game 6.
