Houston Astros World Series: Sizing up Game 1 against the Nationals

Now that the Houston Astros have made it back to the big dance, it’s time to see what the World Series has in store for our fellas starting with Game 1.

Everyone can remember where they were Saturday night when Jose Altuve punched the ticket for the Houston Astros to head to the 2019 MLB World Series. For most of us, the feelings of excitement are still running rampant.

Nevertheless, our team is now back hard at work to prepare in welcoming the National League champion, Washington Nationals to town for game 1 of this best of 7 series tomorrow evening. Of all the things that this 2019 MLB World Series will bring, there are two key elements that stand out.

1. Pitches Brew

Obviously, the big thing to look out for at the start of the 2019 MLB World Series is the pitching matchup on tap for Game 1. Max Scherzer will take the mound for the Washington Nationals, while Gerrit Cole will get the nod for the Houston Astros. Had the Houston Astros needed a game 7 of the ALCS, Justin Verlander would have gotten the ball.

Thankfully for us fans, it wasn’t necessary as the bullpen game on Saturday helped to allow Cole some more time to start game one of the 2019 MLB World Series. Honestly, you could not have anyone better on the mound in this one.

To that end, Verlander will start game 2, and Zack Greinke will get the start in game 3, which will take place up in D.C. Strasburg and Sanchez will pitch for the Nationals respectively on both of those nights. There is sure going to be some heat thrown, and I’m not talking about 4th of July fireworks, either.

2. The Bears are back in town!

On Monday afternoon, word came in at that recently retired Atlanta catcher, Brian McCann and his

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twin, Evan Gattis will take part in the ceremonial first pitch during game 1 of the 2019 MLB World Series. Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle was the first to break the news.

Now, as many of you out in the fan base know, these two players are my favorites to ever play the

game. Both McCann and Gattis carry themselves with a sense of fortitude, kindness and sheer grit that make them threats on both sides of the baseball. Back when I found out they would both be reunited teammates in 2017, I explained why this was going to be a good thing for the Astros.

Turns out, it was a tremendous thing, as the wonder bear twins were key elements in helping to get the city of Houston its first World Series Championship. Having them back to be apart of the festivities only seemed like the right and appropriate thing to do. While McCann recently announced his retirement, Gattis still has the chops to play with another team in 2020 or beyond.

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Nevertheless, having both of these guys back to share in the team’s continued success will be a very welcomed thing. As will many of the things that will take place in game 1 of the 2019 MLB World Series. Hopefully, it will just be one of many more victories for the boys to enjoy.

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