After a pretty one-sided Game 4, the Houston Astros have tied this series up at two. The Nationals got off to a great start in this series but now find themselves in danger of falling behind 3-2. The home team has not won a game yet this series, and changing that would be clutch for the Nationals tonight. Here is a preview of Game 5 of the 2019 World Series:
When: First pitch is scheduled for 8:07 PM EST
Watch: FOX
Pitching
Gerrit Cole will get the ball for the second time in this World Series. After 29 2/3 innings pitched this Postseason, Cole has posted a 1.82 ERA along with 38 strikeouts. However, he did get the loss in game 1 after allowing five runs through seven innings pitched. The 29-year-old is in the running for the Cy Young Award this season, so he could definitely bounce back for a more productive outing than last time.
Max Scherzer has been removed from the lineup for game 5 due to neck issues. Joe Ross will get the start instead. The 26-year-old posted a 5.48 ERA through 27 appearances in the regular season. He also threw two scoreless innings so far in the World Series. If the Astros were prepared for Scherzer, this could work in favor of Ross and the Nats. Washington is also home, so a majority of the crowd should be supporting Joe Ross in this one.
Players to Watch For
Houston Astros: Yuli Gurriel
Yuli Gurriel has had at least one hit in all four games of the series thus far. This includes a 2-for-5 performance in Game 1. This contributed to his now 2-for-3 line against starting pitcher Max Scherzer. Dating back to 2017 and prior to tonight’s game, Gurriel has a career playoff line of .261/.310/.422 along with 17 extra-base hits. Gurriel can add to those numbers with a productive performance in Game 5.
Washington Nationals: Ryan Zimmerman
The 35-year-old Ryan Zimmerman has been with the Nationals for over a decade and is now in his first World Series with them. Game 5 is scheduled to be the last home game for the Nationals. Considering Zimmerman has waited years to get to play in a World Series, winning one at the stadium he’s played so many games in could be memorable for him. He can use this as a motivator to give the Washington Nationals their first home World Series win. Also, all three of Zimmerman’s career hits against Gerrit Cole have gone for extra-bases including a homer in Game 1 of this series.
Feature Image Courtesy of upi.com
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