By Michael Shapiro | Sports Illustrated
Ready for the World Series? A somewhat unexpected matchup between the Astros and Nationals begins Tuesday night. Washington is chasing its first title since coming to town in 2005 while Houston seeks a second championship in three seasons.
Who has the edge? Let’s look at three questions that will decide the series.
Can the Nationals steal a road win?
Don’t expect much bullpenning out of Washington or Houston in this series. We’ll be turning back the clock in this one, with battles of multiple aces likely swinging the series. The Astros wield AL Cy Young favorites Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. The Nationals counter with Stephen Strasburg, who’s allowed four runs in 22 innings this October, Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin. It’s a testament to the Nats’ starting depth that $140 million man Corbin is relegated to the undercard. The mixing and matching of ALCS Game 6 is unlikely to be replicated, though Houston would be better suited to manufacture extended outs in a pinch.
