Last night Sunday, October 27th, the Houston Astros defeated the Washington Nationals, 7-1, in Game 5 of the World Series at Nationals Park. The Astros have taken the lead in the best-of-seven series at 3-2 and head back to Houston one win away from their second World Series title in three years.
A trio of Astros two-run home runs — from rookie Yordan Alvarez, shortstop Carlos Correa and outfielder George Springer — made up the bulk of Houston’s offense in the lopsided win. The Nationals scored their lone run is the seventh inning when Juan Soto hit a solo home run off Astros starter Gerrit Cole.
Game 5 was originally set to feature a pitching duel (and rematch of Game 1) between two Cy Young candidates in Nats right-hander Max Scherzer and Cole. But Scherzer, 35, was a late scratch because of spasms in his neck and upper back. Joe Ross got the start in his place, and aside from gave up a pair of two-run homers in his five-inning, five-hit outing.
Until they play again, it’s a well deserved day off, traveling to Houston for the next game. Game 6 of the World Series is set for Tuesday, October 30th at 8 p.m. ET.