After the Washington Nationals stole Game 1 on the road with a 5-4 win, they will look to Stephen Strasburg in Game 2 of this World Series matchup.
One could certainly make the case that Stephen Strasburg has been the ace of the Washington Nationals in the second half of this season.
The Nats certainly hope he gives an ace-like performance in Game 2 of this World Series after the bullpen was taxed in a Game 1 win.
Scherzer struggled with command in Game 1 and the Astros hitters were very patient as they drove up his pitch count and ran him off after 5 solid innings.
As a result, Dave Martinez had to use Patrick Corbin, Tanner Rainey, Daniel Hudson, and Sean Doolittle out of the bullpen.
Hudson and Doolittle both threw more than an inning (1.1), but Doolittle only threw 13 pitches and should still be fresh for Game 2.
Juan Soto was the hero offensively in Game 1 with 3 hits and 3 RBI.
The top of the lineup did a good job of getting on base as well with Trea Turner and Adam Eaton combining to get on base three times.
Despite giving up 8 hits and 5 runs, Gerrit Cole was able to eat up 7 innings for the Houston Astros in Game 1, keeping their bullpen fresh for Game 2.
The Astros actually out-hit the Nationals in Game 1 with 10 hits compared to nine for Washington, but the Astros were just 3-for-12 with runners in scoring position.
With Game 1 behind us, the Washington Nationals look to keep their foot on the gas in Game 2.
This will be round 2 in a matchup of aces between these two teams as Justin Verlander takes the mound for the Houston Astros against the Washington Nationals.