2019 MLB World Series Game 7 – Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros Preview & Pick
THE FACTS
When is Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros taking place? Thursday 31th October, 2019 – 01:08 (UK)
Where is Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros taking place? Minute Maid Park
What is the expected weather for Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros? Light rain, 14c
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 2 – 7 Houston Astros
THE TEAM NEWS
WASHINGTON NATIONALS
- The Nationals delivered in Game 6 and, with Tuesday’s win, they made history since it was the first time in MLB history that there were six consecutive away wins during a World Series. Washington averaged just 1.0 run and 5.67 hits per game between Games 3 and 5, but their offense woke up in Game 6 and they finished with seven runs across nine hits. They scored three of those runs against Justin Verlander, further increasing the veteran’s tough luck during the World Series throughout his career.
- The Nationals saw how Max Scherzer recovered from neck spasms and the veteran might be ready to throw in Game 7. Catcher Kurt Suzuki has been dealing with a hip problem, but Yan Gomes could continue as a starter due to his superior offensive ability in the final game of the season. Anthony Rendon is coming off a stellar Game 6 – the MVP candidate went 3-for-4 in Game 6 with five RBI and he is hitting .292 with a .912 OPS so far in this series.
- Max Scherzer left his neck spasms behind and he’s expected to start Game 7. He was highly unlikely to return during the postseason, but a cortisone shot helped him and now he will pitch in Washington’s biggest game in the history of the franchise. During the current postseason run, Scherzer has a 2.16 ERA and 34 strikeouts in five appearances (25 innings).
HOUSTON ASTROS
- The Astros might have won an MLB-high 107 games during the regular season, but they haven’t been able to translate that into success in the World Series and have lost every single game at Minute Maid Park against the Nationals so far. Houston’s offense has disappeared at home during the current series, scoring 3.0 runs per game in the three losses but upping that total to 6.3 in every win.
- The Astros do not have injuries concerns ahead of this game, although there could be some lineup changes for this one as that has been a regular trend for manager A.J. Hinch throughout the entire series. One player to watch for Houston is Alex Bregman, who went 2-for-4 during Tuesday’s action. George Springer also went 2-for-4, and the outfielder Is hitting for .348 with a 1.266 OPS in the playoffs so far.
- Zack Greinke has been confirmed as the Game 7 starter for the Astros. The veteran right-hander might not have the same repertoire as Gerrit Cole or Justin Verlander, but the 36-year-old succeeds with a different approach based on command and a five-pitch mix. He allowed just one run during Game 3 of the series, a game that ended with a 4-1 win for the Astros.
THE PREDICTION
This has been a World Series for the ages, with no home wins over the first six games – an MLB all-time record – and with several games that have gone down to the wire. It’s hard to predict which team has been the favourite ahead of this contest. The Nationals might have the edge with Scherzer on the mound, but the right-hander may not be at 100% and the Astros have the better offense even if they only mustered two runs during Game 6. This contest could eventually be decided by small factors, but the Astros can win their second World Series in three years.
