Nearly a year ago, the Nationals were 19-31. Then, they rallied to win the World Series

May 21, 2020

AP/Patrick Semansky

In a normal world, the Nationals would be playing the 50th game of their season this weekend, close to one-third of their schedule completed.

They were at their lowest point at exactly the same time last year.

On May 23, 2019, it looked like the Nationals were going nowhere with a 19-31 record — 10 games out of first place in the NL East and only a game and a half from falling into last place in the standings.

Manager Dave Martinez, though, was determined to remain positive, saying the team needed to focus on, and win, each day and not look ahead.

The players bought in and from that point on, the team posted the best record in baseball en route to their first World Series title.

Washington Post reporter Jesse Dougherty was in his first full season covering the Nats. He didn’t believe all was lost once shortstop Trea Turner, third baseman Anthony Rendon, outfielder Juan Soto and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman returned from injuries. 

“When you pull four players out of any lineup across baseball, I don’t care if you’re the 1927 Yankees or 2019 Nats, you’re going to be hurting,” Dougherty told WTOP.You can’t really function without your regular guys, so once they came back and were healthy, I felt there was a chance they could go on some kind of run.”

However, even that run somewhat surprised Dougherty. 

“They were already in a deep hole, but it was also still early,” Dougherty said. “The sample size wasn’t great, but once the health came around, they obviously had a fighting chance and we saw what happened.”

And once the Nationals started to put it together, Dougherty said he had a lot of fun. 

“As a reporter, the worst thing you can cover is a mediocre team,” Dougherty said.There’s no intrigue. Occasionally, the really bad is interesting because the stories are good. The really good is more fun sometimes because guys are actually more willing to talk about it.  

When you’re covering the really bad, it takes some more prying and digging. But covering that team from late May on was a complete joy.”

Plus, there was also enough drama to keep it interesting.

“There were the injuries to Max Scherzer, Dave Martinez’s health scare in the middle of September and the trade deadline when everyone is questioning, ‘Is this what you need for the bullpen?'” Dougherty said. “There was always something with this team.”

The bullpen drama and Scherzer’s injuries played out right through the postseason, during which the Nationals became the first team to win five elimination games in come-from-behind fashion.

It was certainly enough to fill a book. And that’s what Dougherty used to produce “Buzz Saw: The Improbable Story of How the Washington Nationals Won the World Series.”

The title comes from something World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg said.

The night the Nationals advanced to the Fall Classic, Oct. 15, Strasburg was asked why this team finally broke through. Why did the talented ones in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017 come up short? 

His answer, according to Dougherty: “You have a great year and you run into a buzz saw, and maybe this year we’re the buzz saw.”

Dougherty loved the quote. 

“I used it in my story and went on Twitter and everyone really took to it,” Dougherty said. “I just think that buzz saw quote became sort of the embodiment of the team. I ended up putting it on the cover of the book, so I was grateful he said that, for sure.”

The Nationals were the oldest team in baseball last year, averaging 31.1 years old. However, despite being even older in 2020, there won’t be the grind of a full season this year. Dougherty anticipates a shorter season may actually benefit the team.

“April promised to be hard because of how much guys had pitched into the fall last year,” Dougherty said.Older pitching arms, for sure, you can kind of push yourselves in the way maybe you couldn’t over the course of an eight-month season.”

And, a shorter season means the Nationals won’t have to dig themselves out of a 19-31 hole this summer.

Stephen Strasburg holding the well-deserved trophy. (WTOP/George Wallace)
Sean Doolittle being interviewed after Wednesday’s World Series Game. (WTOP/George Wallace )
Trea Turner during an interview after Game 7 of the World Series. (WTOP/George Wallace)
Daniel Hudson (WTOP/George Wallace)
Anthony Rendon holds the trophy up high. (WTOP/George Wallace )
Dave Martinez with the World Series trophy. (WTOP/George Wallace )
WTOP's George Wallace captures the plenty of red at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
WTOP’s George Wallace captures the sea of red at Minute Maid Park in Houston. (WTOP/George Wallace)
The Washington Nationals celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Washington Nationals celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP/Matt Slocum)
Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon celebrates after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series.
Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto, right, hugs catcher Kurt Suzuki after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP/David J. Phillip)
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Daniel Hudson celebrates after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series.
Washington Nationals' Yan Gomes and Daniel Hudson celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Washington Nationals’ Yan Gomes and Daniel Hudson celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP/David J. Phillip)
The Washington Nationals celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Washington Nationals celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP/David J. Phillip)
The Washington Nationals celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Washington Nationals celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Washington Nationals' Howie Kendrick is congratulated by Juan Soto after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh inning of Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Washington Nationals’ Howie Kendrick is congratulated by Juan Soto after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh inning of Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Washington Nationals’ Howie Kendrick hits a two-run home run during the seventh inning of Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. (AP/David J. Phillip)
Actor Matthew McConaughey does the play ball announcement before the start of Game 7 of the baseball World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston.
Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio throw out the ceremonial first pitches before Game 7 of the baseball World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer throws during the first inning of Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws during the first inning of Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston.
Houston Astros’ Yuli Gurriel hits a home run during the second inning of Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston.
Fans cheer during the fourth inning of Game 7 of the baseball World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston.
Fans wait for the start of Game 7 of the baseball World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston.
Houston Astros’ Yuli Gurriel is congratulated after hitting a home run during the second inning of Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston.
Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez has to be restrained after being ejected for arguing an interference call during the seventh inning of Game 6 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, in Houston.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg is congratulated after being taken out of the game during the ninth inning of Game 6 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
A fan watches during the ninth inning of Game 6 of the baseball World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, in Houston.
A fan watches during the ninth inning of Game 6 of the baseball World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, in Houston.
Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto hits a home run off Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander during the fifth inning of Game 6 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, in Houston.
Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto celebrates his home run against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning of Game 6 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, in Houston.
Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto, right, celebrates after his home run with Adam Eaton during the fifth inning of Game 6 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, in Houston.
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Players from the Washington Nationals practice in the stadium before Game 6 of the World Series in Houston, Texas. (WTOP/George Wallace)
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Nationals players practice before Game 6 of the World Series. (WTOP/George Wallace)
Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto celebrates after his home run against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning of Game 5 of the baseball World Series Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington.
Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto watches his home run against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning of Game 5 of the baseball World Series Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington.
Washington Nationals’ Victor Robles reacts after striking out during the seventh inning of Game 5 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington.
Chef Jose Andres, center, takes a photo with a fan during Game 5 of a baseball World Series game between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. Andres threw out the first pitch.
Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel forces out Washington Nationals’ Trea Turner at first during the sixth inning of Game 5 of the baseball World Series Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington.
Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto celebrates in the dugout after his home run against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning of Game 5 of the baseball World Series Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington.
Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez yells at the home plate umpire during the seventh inning of Game 5 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington.
President Donald Trump, top center, stands and applauds as members of the military, foreground, are recognized during Game 5 of a baseball World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019.
Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., takes a selfie with President Donald Trump during the seventh inning of Game 5 of the baseball World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington.
Nationals Park is seen before Game 5 of the baseball World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington.
President Donald Trump watches during the first inning of Game 5 of the baseball World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer speaks during a news conference before Game 5 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington. Scherzer was slated to start Sunday’s World Series game, has been scratched with spasms in his neck and right trapezius.
After a rainy start the day of Game 5, the sun finally began shining on Nationals Park hours before the game. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)
Members of the Washington Nationals watch during the ninth inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. The Astros won 8-1 to tie the series 2-2.
Members of the Washington Nationals watch during the seventh inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington.
Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel, left, forces out Washington Nationals’ Trea Turner at first to end the seventh inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Jeff Roberson)
Houston Astros’ Alex Bregman (2) celebrates after his grand slam against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington.
Houston Astros’ Alex Bregman hits a grand slam during the seventh inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington.
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Tanner Rainey throws against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Patrick Semansky)
Washington Nationals’ Gerardo Parra scores past Houston Astros catcher Robinson Chirinos during the sixth inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Jeff Roberson)
Houston Astros relief pitcher Will Harris celebrates after the final out in the sixth inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Patrick Semansky)
Washington Nationals’ Trea Turner reacts after striking out against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington.
If you can’t squeeze into the bar, watch through the window. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
Houston Astros’ Robinson Chirinos, right, celebrates his two-run home run with Carlos Correa during the fourth inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington.
Houston Astros’ George Springer can’t catch a foul ball hit by Washington Nationals’ Anthony Rendon during the fourth inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington.
Washington Nationals’ Adam Eaton reacts after flying out during the third inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington.
Houston Astros catcher Robinson Chirinos can’t catch a foul ball hit by Washington Nationals’ Patrick Corbin during the third inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, left, celebrates after Houston Astros’ Robinson Chirinos made the last out in the top of the first inning during Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Patrick Semansky)
Washington Nationals’ Yan Gomes celebrates after a double against the Houston Astros during the third inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Jeff Roberson)
A packed house at the Salt Line, a bar near Nationals Park, during Game 4 of the World Series. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
Houston Astros’ Michael Brantley scores past Washington Nationals catcher Yan Gomes on a hit by Yuli Gurriel during the first inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Jeff Roberson)
Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve celebrates with Carlos Correa after scoring during the first inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Patrick Corbin throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Jeff Roberson)
Washington Senators great Frank Howard was part of the festivities before Game 4. (WTOP/Dave Preston)
Half an hour before Game 4, Nats Park is already packed. (WTOP/Jonathan Warner)
Two D.C. Fire and EMS trucks hold up an American flag outside Nats Park ahead of Game 4. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
Fans filed into Nationals Park ahead of Game 4. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
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D.C. police helicopter captures scenes at the Navy Yard at Nationals Park during Game 3 of the World Series. (Courtesy D.C. police via Twitter)
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D.C. police helicopter captures scenes at the Navy Yard at Nationals Park during Game 3 of the World Series. (Courtesy D.C. police via Twitter)
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D.C. police helicopter captures scenes at the Navy Yard at Nationals Park during Game 3 of the World Series. (Courtesy D.C. police via Twitter)
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D.C. police helicopter captures scenes at the Navy Yard at Nationals Park during Game 3 of the World Series. (Courtesy D.C. police via Twitter)
The Nats and Astros are introduced during Game 3 of the World Series. (WTOP/Jonathan Warner)
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Fans watch Game 3 of the World Series from a bar near Nationals Park. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
The scene outside Nationals Park ahead of Game 3 on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019. (WTOP/Brennan Haselton)
The scene outside Nationals Park ahead of Game 3 on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019. (WTOP/Brennan Haselton)
The Washington Nationals warm up during batting practice before Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Alex Brandon)
Fans try to catch a ball during batting practice for Game 3 of the baseball World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Meyer Cabrera, 12, left, talks with is dad Washington Nationals second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera during batting practice before Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Alex Brandon)
(L-R) Anthony Rendon #6, Howie Kendrick #47 and Adam Eaton #2 of the Washington Nationals warm up during batting practice before Game 3 of the 2019 World Series against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on Oct. 25, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/Will Newton)
Trea Turner #7 of the Washington Nationals warms up during batting practice before Game 3 of the 2019 World Series against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on Oct. 25, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/Will Newton)
Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon warms up during batting practice before Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Alex Brandon)
Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz take a selfie with Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto before Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz give Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto a cake for his 21st birthday before Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington.
David Ortiz talks to Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto before Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington.
Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz watch Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto swing the bat before Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington.
Bill Nye takes selfies in the dugout during batting practice prior to Game Three of the 2019 World Series against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on October 25, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/Will Newton)
Bill Nye takes selfies in the dugout during batting practice prior to Game Three of the 2019 World Series against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on October 25, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/Will Newton)
(Getty Images/Will Newton)
Photo of World Series field, Game 2 of World Series
A photo of the field in Houston before Game 2 of the World Series. (WTOP/George Wallace)
Fans watching Game 2 of the World Series in Houston
The crowd at Minute Maid Park cheer on their respective teams during Game 2 of the World Series between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros. (WTOP/George Wallace)
WTOP’s George Wallace traveled to Houston to cover the game. Follow him on Twitter for updates. (WTOP/George Wallace)
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Some 14,500 fans attend a watch party for Game 2 of the World Series at Nationals Park. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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Astros fans show their spirit during Game 2 of the World Series. (WTOP/George Wallace)
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Nats’ Ryan Zimmerman meets NBC Washington legend Pat Collins in Texas during Game 2 of the World Series. (WTOP/George Wallace)
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WTOP’s George Wallace and NBC Washington’s Pat Collins are in Texas for Game 2 of the World Series. (Courtesy George Wallace)
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Nats gear is in high demand, as fans line up to buy them at the team store at Nationals Park. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
nats park, watch party, game 2, world series
A fan shows off his custom-made shirt during a watch party at Nationals Park for Game 2 of the World Series. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
nats, watch party, world series, game 2
Fans lines up at Nats Park for a watch party for Game 2 of the World Series. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
A Washington Nationals player reaches for a ball during batting practice before Game 2 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, in Houston.
nats, watch party, world series, game 2
Fans show support during a watch party at Nationals Park for the Washington Nationals, as the team takes on the Houston Astros in Game 2 of the World Series. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
nats, watch party, world series, game 2
A Nats fan wears a shark costume during a watch party for Game 2 of the World Series at Nationals Park in D.C. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
nats, watch party, world series, game 2
A fan wears a shirt referencing Nationals player Howie Kendrick during a watch party at Nationals Park for Game 2 of the World Series. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
(WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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Max Scherzer fans watch Game 1 of the World Series during a watch party at Nats Park. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Washington Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman hits a home run during the second inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP/Eric Gay)
Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto hits a home run during the fourth inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP/Eric Gay)
Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto celebrates in the dugout after his home run against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP/Matt Slocum)
Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto celebrates in the dugout after his home run against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP/Matt Slocum)
Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto hits a home run during the fourth inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP/David J. Phillip)
Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto celebrates after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP/David J. Phillip)
Washington Nationals’ Victor Robles can’t catch a ball hit by Houston Astros’ Yuli Gurriel during the third inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP/David J. Phillip)
Washington Nationals center fielder Victor Robles can’t get s glove on a single by Houston Astros’ Yuli Gurriel during the third inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP/Matt Slocum)
(AP/Matt Slocum)
Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole throws during the first inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston.
A Houston Astros fan gives a thumbs up before Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston.
Melissa Guitron waits for the start of Game 1 of the baseball World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston.
Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch, right, and Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez meet during introductions before Game 1 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston.
Members of the Washington Nationals stand on the field Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, during tribute to umpire Eric Cooper, who died last weekend, before Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros in Houston.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston.
Washington Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman hits a home run during the second inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston.
nats, watchparty
Fans gather at Nats Park for a watch party of Game 1 of the World Series. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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A fan dressed up as “Captain Obvious” holds a sign during a Nats watch party in D.C. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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A fan holds a poster of Nats pitcher Max Scherzer during a Game 1 watch party at Nats Park. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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Rain does not keep fans away for a watch party for Game 1 of the World Series between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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Fans line up at Nationals Park during a rainy day in D.C. for a World Series Game 1 watch party. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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WTOP's George Wallace captures the plenty of red at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
The Washington Nationals celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Washington Nationals' Yan Gomes and Daniel Hudson celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Washington Nationals celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Washington Nationals celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Washington Nationals' Howie Kendrick is congratulated by Juan Soto after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh inning of Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Photo of World Series field, Game 2 of World Series
Fans watching Game 2 of the World Series in Houston
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