World Series trend raises Nationals’ hopes on road

WASHINGTON – Need not worry, Nationals fans: The way this World Series is trending, Washington should win the next two games in Houston.

Yes, the Astros lead the best- of- seven series 3- 2 with Justin Verlander on the mound for Game 6 Tuesday evening, but the road team has won the first five games of the World Series for just the third time in history.

“It's been a crazy year for us,” said Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman. “So why not have every road team win every game in the World Series?”

With the Series shifting back to

Houston for Games 6 and, if necessary, 7, Nationals fans have a reason to believe – even with ace Max Scherzer likely out with an injury for the rest of the series – the momentum could change.

The Astros' 7- 1 victory Sunday night marked the first time the road team won the first five Series games since 1996, when the Braves won the first two against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium, only to lose the next three at AtlantaFulton County Stadium. The Yankees won Game 6 at home to win the title.

The first time it happened was in 1906, when the home team alternated each day. The White Sox won Games 1, 3 and 5 and the Cubs took Games 2 and 4.

The road team has never won each of the first six games.

“Yeah, it's a crazy stat,” said Nationals pitcher Joe Ross, who started Game 5. “Hopefully we can finish through with it.”

Another crazy stat is the scoring difference. The Nationals outscored the Astros 17- 7 in the two games at Minute Maid Park, and Houston outscored Washington 19- 3 in the three games at Nationals Park.

“I think I would have rather played the last three games on the road, with the outcome,” said Nationals shortstop Trea Turner.

Home- field advantage matters, right?

History proves it does when it comes to Game 6 of the Series. Home teams are 43- 24, winning five of the last six.

TOMMY GILLIGAN/ USA TODAY SPORTS Astros center fielder George Springer and shortstop Carlos Correa celebrate their 7- 1 win over the Nationals in Game 5 on Sunday in Washington. The Astros return home with a 3- 2 series lead.