The Washington Nationals have won the World Series for the first time in franchise history. Throughout the series, the home team was outscored 49-14 and lost every game of the series for the first time in World Series history.

In game one, American League Cy Young finalist Gerrit Cole gave up five earned runs on eight hits, his most earned runs given up in a game since May 22 against the Chicago White Sox. That game against the White Sox was also Cole’s last loss, as Cole came into game one with a streak of 25 consecutive wins or non-decisions. This was also the most earned runs Cole had given up in a postseason start.

Game one was decided by a combination of mistakes on the base paths by George Springer, costing the Astros key runs in the tight 5-4 win for the Nationals.

Game two saw another AL Cy Young finalist in Justin Verlander face off with former #1 overall pick Stephen Strasburg. With the game tied 2-2 going into the seventh inning, the Nationals broke the game open, scoring ten runs in the final three innings to secure game two of the World Series with a 12-3 win.

In game three, a combined eight bullpen pitchers were used, allowing only 3 of the 20 hits in the game. After quickly pulling Zack Greinke after 4.2 innings, the Astros bullpen led them to the 4-1 victory in Washington.

Rookie Jose Urquidy was announced to pitch the day of game four the astros and in five innings of work Urquidy gave up only two hits and allowed zero runs. A combination of pitching and strong bats from the Astros gave them an 8-1 win and a tie in the series, now sitting even at 2-2.

Preceding game five, the Nationals expected starter, Max Scherzer, experienced neck spasms along with immobility in his arm. Scherzer had to receive a Cortisone shot. Joe Ross took Scherzer’s spot as game five starter.

Ross was unable to put together a strong start for the Nationals, giving up four runs over five innings. Astros starter Gerrit Cole threw seven innings and allowed only one run to lead the Astros to their third straight win, putting them one game away from a World Series victory.

In game six Stephen Strasburg went 8.1 innings for his fifth win in the 2019 postseason, allowing 2 runs in the first inning, and shutting the Astros out for the rest of his start.

Controversy erupted in the seventh inning when Trea Turner was called out for interference when he ran on the fair side of the foul line and knocked the glove off of first baseman Yuli Gurriel. Nationals Manager Dave Martinez was ejected from the game after angrily arguing the call.

Once the dust settled and the game resumed, Anthony Rendon would come up to bat and hit a two-run home run. The Nationals cruised to a 7-2 victory, sending the series to the final game, game seven.

In the deciding game seven, Nationals ace Max Scherzer returned from his absence due to neck spasms to face off against Zack Greinke. Greinke pitched 6.1 innings on 80 pitches, allowing 2 hits, and remarkably seeing over 3 batters in a single inning only once in the entire game when he faced four in the 5th inning. 

After giving up a home run to Anthony Rendon and a walk to Juan Soto in the 7th, Astros manager A.J. Hinch pulled Greinke in favor for reliever Will Harris. Harris’ first batter faced was NLCS MVP Howie Kendrick, who hit a home run, giving the Nationals the lead. The Nationals were able to hold onto the lead for the remainder of the game and became World Series Champions for the first time in franchise history with their 6-2 win over the Houston Astros in game seven.

Nationals Starting Pitcher Stephen Strasburg won the World Series MVP Honors, throwing 14 innings and allowing 12 hits, four runs, three walks and striking out 14 on his way to a 2-0 record, giving the city of Washington, D.C. its first championship in 95 years.