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World Series Game 6: Nationals turn to Stephen Strasburg with season on line

By Jake Mastroianni

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals delivers the pitch against the Houston Astros during the third inning in Game Two of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 23, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals delivers the pitch against the Houston Astros during the third inning in Game Two of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 23, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 22: An American flag is displayed as singer-songwriter Nicole Scherzinger performs the national anthem prior to Game One of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Minute Maid Park on October 22, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 22: An American flag is displayed as singer-songwriter Nicole Scherzinger performs the national anthem prior to Game One of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Minute Maid Park on October 22, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Preview and Prediction

How is this Nationals team going to respond after getting hit in the mouth in DC?

It kind of seems like the summery of their season, right?

They got beat down and torn up early in the year, but then bounced back to earn a Wild Card spot.

But even then nobody really thought they’d get past the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers, especially in a Game 7 at Dodger Stadium, but they got it done.

And then nobody gave them a chance in the World Series against the Houston Astros, but they took the first two games in Houston.

Now that they once again find themselves down and everyone ready to give up on them, how are they going to respond?

I really feel like it’s up to the offense — and more specifically, Anthony Rendon.

The Astros have done a great job of neutralizing Rendon in this World Series. The Nationals third baseman is 4-for-20 in the World Series with 2 doubles, 2 RBI, and 2 walks.

It’s not like he’s been completely absent, but when he’s had his chances to come up big, he’s fallen flat.

And this after he hit .412 in the NLDS and .417 in the NLCS.

I’ve been saying it for a while now, but if the Nationals are going to have any chance at winning this World Series, Rendon has to have a big moment. And that moment needs to come in Game 6.

I have little doubt that Strasburg is going to give us at least 6 innings of 3 runs or less. The question will be, can the offense get to Verlander early and often to make them start looking towards a Game 7?

Winner: Nationals

Next. Nats still have clear path to WS. dark

I’m putting all my chips on Strasburg in this game. I think he’s going to have a dominating performance and the offense will do just enough to send this World Series to a Game 7.

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