World Series Game 2: Nats Pound Astros in Late Innings to Take 2-0 Lead

Following Tuesday’s 5-4 defeat in Game 1, the Houston Astros looked to bounce back behind starter Justin Verlander to tie the series. The game remained deadlocked at 2-2 after each starting pitcher allowed two runs in the 1st inning, until the Washington Nationals broke out with a six-run rally in the 7th.

Nationals 12, Astros 3 (box score)

W: Stephen Strasburg
L: Justin Verlander

Washington jumped out to an early lead thanks to a two-run double by Anthony Rendon, but Houston immediately tied the game on a two-run homer from Alex Bregman.

Strasburg worked out of trouble in the 6th inning when he struck out Kyle Tucker with two aboard to retire the side.

In the top of the 7th, Verlander ran out of gas, allowing a leadoff homer by Kurt Suzuki to the Minute Maid Park train tracks that sparked a six-run inning.

Journeyman infielder Asdrúbal Cabrera went 2-5 with three RBI on a two-run single in the 7th and an RBI single in the 8th.

In the bottom of the 7th inning, veteran reliever Fernando Rodney became the fourth player in recent MLB postseason history to make an appearance in every round as a member of American and National League teams.

It's official.@Nationals RP Fernando Rodney is the 4th player EVER to play in every single round of the Postseason in both leagues. pic.twitter.com/HgQKsvWt3z

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 24, 2019

After their six-run 7th, the Nats scored four more runs to blow out the Astros, taking a 2-0 series lead home to D.C. The World Series will resume on Friday at 8:07 PM ET. Matchup: Zack Greinke (18-5, 2.93 ERA) vs, Aníbal Sánchez (11-8, 3.85 ERA).