The Washington Nationals struck first in the 2019 World Series.
Washington defeated the Houston Astros 5-4 in Game 1 at Minute Maid Park and is now only three wins away from its first championship in franchise history. Tuesday's contest was billed as a high-profile pitching showdown, and Juan Soto provided Max Scherzer with key run support by coming a triple short of the cycle.
While Houston was unable to take advantage of Gerrit Cole's start, it will have Justin Verlander on the hill in Game 2 with a chance to even the series before hitting the road.