Astros vs Nationals: CTH writers World Series predictions

Brett Chancey

The Houston Astros are headed back to the World Series, and not against the LA Dodgers, but the Washington Nationals. You know, the team that Bryce Harper exited for more money, the team that everyone said should rebuild. Well now they face our Astros in a match-up that surprisingly seems to be a heavyweight bout of a pitching and hitting match-up.

In Game One, the Astros will have Gerrit Cole squaring off against Max Scherzer. The Astros normally have Justin Verlander going as their first starter but as the games have gone, Cole gets the Game One start in his first career World Series start.

Even with Verlander as the ace of this club, no one would dispute that Cole is the one you want going in Game One. His dominance is second to none and he’s absolutely pitching out of his mind.

Game Predictions: Astros in 5

Game One in my mind will be a low scoring affair as I think both starters will take the game into the 7th innings. I believe where the Astros have the advantage is in the bullpen. The Astros will strike first with a couple miscues by the Nationals. George Springer starts the game with a lead off home run, and Cole will surrender a solo shot to up and coming star Juan Soto just over the reach of Josh Reddick in right field.

The Astros will get another run across from a bloop single from Reddick, and I believe going into the 7th inning the Astros will have 2-1 lead. As the game goes into the 8th inning the Astros will tack on 3 more runs making it 5-1 Houston.

Roberto Osuna will not come in with the four-run lead and Will Harris will get the save after one run is surrendered by Joe Smith in the top of the 8th inning. The Astros escape Game One 5-2, and go up 1-0 in the World Series.

In Game Two, Verlander goes 7 2/3 innings, allowing two runs and two walks with 11 strikeouts. Stephen Strasburg will go six innings and strike out eight, but allow five walks and three earned runs. Astros hitters go 5-for-9 with RISP (Alex Bregman and Yuli Gurriel both hit homers). Astros win 9-3 and take a 2-0 World Series lead.

In Game Three, Zack Greinke throws 6 innings, allowing one run on six hits and two walks. For the Nationals, Patrick Corbin goes five innings and strikes out four, but gives up seven hits and five earned runs. The Astros bullpen goes three scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out six.

For the Astros hitters, Yordan Alvarez gets his first postseason home run. Jose Altuve goes 3-for-4 with two doubles and a homer. Springer, Reddick and Carlos Correa all have RBIs. Astros win 7-2 to take a 3-0 series lead.

Game Four is the bullpen game, and the Astros fall in this one 6-5. The Nationals go up in the first inning 3-0, the Astros tie it up in the 7th but the Nationals come out on top. Astros lead the World Series 3-1.

In Game Five, Cole puts together a start for the ages, striking out 13 and allowing one run with three walks, only surrendering one hit — a solo shot by Anthony Rendon. Astros hitters leave only two on base with Bregman, Springer and Martin Maldonado all going deep. Astros win Game Five 7-2 and win the World Series 4-1.