A LOOK AT THE ASTROS AND NATS

The World Series begins today night in Houston, with the Astros hosting the Nationals for Games 1 and 2. Here are five story lines to watch.

Dominant starting pitching — There will be no shortage of quality arms in this series, with the Astros’ starting trio of Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke opposite the Washington foursome of Stephen Strasburg, Max Scherzer, Patrick Corbin and Anibal Sanchez. Those seven pitchers have combined for 29 All-Star Game appearances, three ERA titles and five Cy Young Awards.

History at stake — Washington hasn’t had a team in the World Series since the town’s first professional baseball team, the Washington Senators, fell 4-1 to the New York Giants in 1933. Hence, it marks the first World Series appearance for the Montreal Expos/Nationals franchise, which was founded in 1969. Meanwhile, the 2017 champion Astros are seeking to join the Blue Jays, Yankees and Giants as the fourth team in the past 30 years to win two titles in a three-season span.

Bullpen watch — Both teams’ lineups will test the bullpens. The Nationals have three trusted relievers in right-handed closer Daniel Hudson (0.00 ERA with four saves in six postseason appearances) as well as southpaw Sean Doolittle and right-hander Tanner Rainey, who came on strong during the NLCS. Meanwhile, the Astros used seven relievers in the ALCS clincher against New York, and right-handed closer Roberto Osuna highlights Houston’s more-than-capable unit.

Hot hitters — Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon is riding an eight-game postseason hit streak while slashing .375/.465/1.059 during the playoffs. First baseman/utility man Howie Kendrick posted a 1.012 OPS in the NLCS and earned the series’ MVP award. The Astros, despite hitting just .179 as a team during the ALCS, also feature hot bats in series MVP Jose Altuve (.348 with two home runs against the Yankees) and outfielder Michael Branley (.304 in the ALCS).

Baby Shark’s presence — Former San Francisco outfielder Gerardo Parra can earn a ring with the Nationals. After washing out with the Giants at the beginning of the 2019 season, Parra signed with Washington on May 9 and filled a spark-plug role off the bench. His walk-up track, a repetitive children’s song called “Baby Shark,” has become a fan favorite at Nationals Park. Parra hit .234 during the regular season and is 1-for-3 this postseason.