Nationals force Game 7 with Astros in World Series
1ST INNING
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Washington struck first, with Anthony Rendon singling in Trea Turner, the base runner from second. Nationals lead 1-0. Verlander retired the side after going through the first four batters of the Nationals' order.
The Astros led off their side of the inning with a first-pitch double off the top off the scoreboard in left field by George Springer, who then advanced to third on a wild pitch by Stephen Strasburg. Astros got on the board, tying the game 1-1 off of a Jose Altuve sacrifice fly to left.
With that swing, Springer has hit the most extra-base hits from the leadoff spot in World Series history, which is something the Little League organization adorably mentioned.
Alex Bregman sent MMP into a frenzy with a solo home run to the Crawford Boxes. Astros took the lead 2-1. Strasburg retired the side after a near-homer by Yuli Gurriel that was caught against the visiting bullpen gate by Juan Soto.
Bregman became the youngest American League player with three homers in a single World Series since Mickey Mantle in 1956. He is 25 years and 213 days old.
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2ND INNING
Verlander threw a one-two-three inning, retiring the six, seven and eight hitters in the Washington batting order. He also recorded his first strikeout of the game.
Strasburg countered with a one-two-three inning of his own, inducing three groundouts.
3RD INNING
Verlander allowed the first two walks of his night, including a battle with Rendon in a 10-pitch at-bat. J.V. got out of the jam with an inning-ending Juan Soto groundout to Altuve.
Strasburg reached 34 pitches by the end of this inning. He retired Josh Reddick, Springer and Altuve in order.
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4TH INNING
Verlander gave up a lead-off hit to Howie Kendrick: a liner that floated over Carlos Correa in the middle infield. After allowing a walk, J.V. regrouped with a strikeout and a flyout to Brantley in the corner to left.
While Strasburg was on the hook for Washington's early-game deficit, the Nationals hurler's pitch count was kept in check. Despite this, he gave up his first two walks of the night to Gurriel and Yordan Alvarez. Correa, though, struck out, ending the inning.
5TH INNING
After getting a flyout in foul territory, Verlander gave up a solo homer to Adam Eaton - a blast to right. Astros and Nationals were tied at 2-2.
Soto followed up with a solo shot of his own, sending a whopping blast to the right field upper deck. Nationals reclaimed the lead 3-2. Verlander got out of the inning with a Kendrick flyout to Reddick in right.
In the home half, Reddick sent a floater to shallow right, which represented the first hit since the opening inning. Springer followed with a double to the scoreboard in left, advancing Reddick to third. After an Altuve strikeout, the Astros' threat ended with a Brantley groundout.
6TH INNING
Brad Peacock relieved Verlander, who exited with 93 pitches. J.V. is not in line for a winning decision if the Astros end up with the victory. He made World Series history by becoming the first pitcher in the championship round to make seven starts without a win.
Meanwhile, Peacock got the one-two-three inning, including two strikeouts.
Bregman led off the inning with an infield single, which was followed by a Gurriel hit of his own that was nearly a double play. Alvarez hit a liner off Strasburg's glove, which became an out at second for Gurriel. Correa struck out to end the inning.
7TH INNING
Peacock allowed a lead-off hit by Yan Gomes. Trea Turner was called out on runner interference for an attempted throw to first. This got a Nationals replay challenge that eventually upheld the out. Two at-bat later, Houston-native Anthony Rendon took Peacock to the Crawford Boxes with a two-run blast. Nationals extended the lead 5-2. A liner to Gurriel ended the side.
During the seventh-inning stretch, Washington manager Dave Martinez was ejected over the challenge call. He became just the second manager in World Series history to be tossed from a game. In fact, Bobby Cox of the Atlanta Braves was the other manager, doing it twice in 1992 and 1996.
Strasburg remained in the game, entering 90 pitches on the night. And effortlessly, he retired the side in order.
8TH INNING
Ryan Pressly relieved Peacock, who got a one-two-three inning, including two strikeouts.
Strasburg stayed in, approaching 100 pitches. Altuve's short dribbler got him out, thanks to a heads-up throw by Rendon. He then induced Brantley into a groundout and Bregman into a popout.
9TH INNING
Chris Devenski entered, giving up a two-run double to Rendon. Nationals extended the lead 7-2.
Strasburg pitched into this inning, getting Gurriel to groundout. Sean Doolittle relieved Strasburg, shutting the door for a Washington win.
With the 7-2 win, the Nationals forced Game 7. The Astros-Nationals series is the first championship final of the major North American sports leagues in which the road team has won at least six games.
Strasburg, who was just two outs short of a complete game, became the first pitcher in postseason history to go 5-0.
Houston and Washington face off Wednesday night at 7:08 p.m.
SEE ALSO:
JJ Watt gives Altuve good luck gift before Game 6
Watt sends Altuve wine for good luck in World Series
Where some Astros hung out after returning home to Houston
Where Astros players hung out before the World Series