Nationals Lead Astros 8-2 In Game 2 Of The 2019 World Series

Updated at 11:25 p.m. ET

The Washington Nationals lead the Houston Astros 8-2 after seven innings in Game 2 of the 2019 World Series in Houston.

The Nationals broke open what had been a pitcher's duel with six runs in the 7th inning as Washington sent ten batters to the plate.

The Nationals opened the game by scoring two runs with a walk and a single, followed by a double by third baseman Anthony Rendon off of Astros ace Justin Verlander.

The Astros came back in the bottom of the first frame with two runs off of Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg on a home run by third baseman Alex Bregman after left fielder Michael Brantley had singled.

Both starters — Verlander and Strasburg — settled into a groove after the first inning, each allowing no runs for five innings.

But the wheels came off for the Astros in the top of the 7th inning starting with a solo homer by catcher Kurt Suzuki. Three walks, three singles, and defensive lapses by the Astros produced six runs that stunned the Houston crowd.

The Nationals won the first game of the best-of-seven series.

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