HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on Game 7 of the World Series (all times local):5:00 p.m.Houston manager AJ Hinch said Game 6 starter Justin Verlander won't be available for Game 7 against the Washington Nationals.After taking the loss in Game 6 to fall to 0-6 in seven career World Series starts, Verlander said he would be available on Wednesday if Hinch needed him. But Hinch shut that down."All hands on deck means most hands on deck," Hinch said.While Verlander is out while Houston tries to win a second championship in three seasons, fellow ace Gerrit Cole could be used out of the bullpen.Cole got the win in Game 5 on Sunday. Hinch said he'll talk to him before the game about how he might use him on Wednesday."It would be in a limited capacity if I ask him to do anything," Hinch said.___3:45 p.m.Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki is back in Washington's lineup for the deciding Game 7 of the World Series against the Houston Astros.Suzuki hadn't played the last three games while dealing with a hip... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki is back in Washington's lineup for the deciding Game 7 of the World Series against the Houston Astros.Suzuki hadn't played the last three games while dealing with a hip flexor strain. The 36-year-old, who homered in Game 2, will be behind the plate to catch for Max Scherzer.Scherzer, the three-time Cy Young winner, was unable to make his start in Game 5 because of an irritated nerve near his neck. He is starting the finale after a cortisone shot.Washington's lineup was unchanged aside from Suzuki back in the lineup batting eighth, and center fielder Victor Robles dropping back to the No. 9 spot after catcher Yan Gomes hit in that spot in Game 6.Houston used a familiar lineup against the right-hander, led off by 2017 World Series MVP George Springer.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter

HOUSTON (AP) — At this rate, AJ Hinch might never issue another intentional walk the rest of his life.Hard to blame the Houston manager for his decision Wednesday night, and the mess that followed in Game 2 of the World Series.But it did seem as though the baseball gods were getting the last laugh.Because right after Hinch ordered an intentional pass for the first time all year — the Astros were the only major league team to go through an entire season without one since they've been tracked — things went awry against Washington."Ironically, I thought it was our best chance to limit their scoring," Hinch said, "and instead it poured gasoline on a fire that was already burning."As soon as clutch-hitting slugger Juan Soto shucked his bat and trotted to first without seeing a pitch from Ryan Pressly, loading the bases with two outs and Washington ahead by a run in the seventh inning, Houston kept flubbing.All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman couldn't corral a grounder, then threw away another.... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — All of Justin Verlander's illustrious accomplishments mean little right now.Not those 225 wins, not the 3,006 regular season strikeouts, not the record 202 postseason Ks. Not the eight All-Star selections, not the 2011 Cy Young Award and Most Valuable Player prize.Verlander dropped to 0-5 in World Series games Wednesday night as the Washington Nationals routed the Houston Astros 12-3 for a 2-0 Series lead. That skid on baseball's biggest stage is dragging the right-hander's reputation down like ballast sinking a ship to the bottom of the sea.Never before has a pitcher lost his first five World Series decisions."We don't dwell on win-loss record anymore, right?" he said with a smile, a reference to modern analytics by one of the sport's most knowledgeable players. "I'd like to win a couple. Hopefully, I'll have another opportunity."He wound up flat on his back in the fourth inning, slipping on Ryan Zimmerman's grounder and firing the ball off his own left leg . Verlander could... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Kurt Suzuki is beat up physically, with a sore back and other ailments after grinding behind the plate from spring training through late October.All of that would be worthwhile for the 36-year-old Washington Nationals catcher to finally get a World Series ring."I've waited 13 seasons for this, for this moment to be able to play in the World Series," Suzuki said. "I kind of joked around with a lot of guys in the training room the other day, 'Man, I've got energy now' ... It kind of pumps you up, especially waiting how long I did."Suzuki believes pitching and defense ultimately win championships, and he certainly has done his part in the squat. In Game 2, he added his first RBI this postseason, a tiebreaking solo homer off Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander to spark a bat-around seventh inning."I can't remember the last time I barreled a ball up like that," Suzuki said with a smile, his two young sons sitting in his lap. "Felt like months ago. Probably was months ago."The... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — At this rate, AJ Hinch might never issue another intentional walk the rest of his life.Hard to blame the Houston manager for his decision Wednesday night, and the mess that followed in Game 2 of the World Series.But it did seem as though the baseball gods were getting the last laugh.Because right after Hinch ordered an intentional pass for the first time all year — the Astros were the only major league team to go through an entire season without one since they've been tracked — things went awry against Washington."Ironically, I thought it was our best chance to limit their scoring," Hinch said, "and instead it poured gasoline on a fire that was already burning."As soon as clutch-hitting slugger Juan Soto shucked his bat and trotted to first without seeing a pitch from Ryan Pressly, loading the bases with two outs and Washington ahead by a run in the seventh inning, Houston kept flubbing.All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman couldn't corral a grounder, then threw away another.... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Kurt Suzuki is beat up physically, with a sore back and other ailments after grinding behind the plate from spring training through late October.All of that would be worthwhile for the 36-year-old Washington Nationals catcher to finally get a World Series ring.Suzuki believes pitching and defense ultimately wins championships, and he certainly has done his part in those areas. In Game 2, he had his first RBI this postseason, a tiebreaking solo homer off Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander to spark a bat-around seventh inning.The Nationals went on to a 12-3 win Wednesday night to take a 2-0 lead before even playing their first World Series game at Nationals Park. Game 3 is there Friday night.Suzuki's body has been battered by run-saving blocks on pitches in the dirt, the kind that got the appreciation of Nationals starter Max Scherzer after they won Game 1 of the World Series."I was having to make pitches out of the stretch from the first inning on. I just stayed with (Suzuki),"... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):11:10 p.m.Stephen Strasburg outdueled fellow ace Justin Verlander, overcoming a shaky start to give the Washington Nationals a 12-3 victory Wednesday night and a commanding 2-0 lead in the World Series.Kurt Suzuki hit a tiebreaking homer in what became a messy six-run seventh inning and the Nationals are headed back to Washington.The Nationals have won 18 of 20 overall with the last two over Cy Young favorites Gerrit Cole and Verlander.Game 3 is Friday night when Aníbal Sánchez opposes Houston's Zack Greinke.___10:50 p.m.The Washington Nationals are three outs away from a 2-0 lead in the World Series before even playing a game at home.Adam Eaton pulled a deep two-run homer down the right field line in the eighth inning, and Asdrúbal Cabrera had an RBI single as the Nationals stretched their lead to 11-2 going into the ninth.Unless there is a huge comeback for the Astros in the ninth, the Nationals will become the 56th team... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — All of Justin Verlander's illustrious accomplishments mean little right now.Not those 225 wins, not the 3,006 regular season strikeouts, not the record 202 postseason Ks. Not the eight All-Star selections, not the 2011 Cy Young Award and Most Valuable Player prize.Verlander dropped to 0-5 in World Series games Wednesday night as the Washington Nationals pounded the Houston Astros 12-3 for a 2-0 series lead. That skid on baseball's biggest stage is dragging the right-hander's reputation down like ballast sinking a ship to the bottom of the sea.Never before has a pitcher lost his first five World Series decisions.He wound up flat on his back in the fourth inning, slipping on Ryan Zimmerman's grounder and firing the ball off his own left foot. Verlander could smile about that one, an instant blooper reel staple.But he was razed along with all the Astros in the seventh, and that was no laughing matter.Verlander gave up a go-ahead home run to Kurt Suzuki , who had not driven in... [More]

Nationals first. Trea Turner walks. Adam Eaton singles to left field. Trea Turner to second. Anthony Rendon doubles to deep left field. Adam Eaton scores. Trea Turner scores. Juan Soto strikes out swinging. Howie Kendrick flies out to shallow right field to Josh Reddick. Asdrubal Cabrera strikes out swinging.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Nationals 2, Astros 0.Astros first. George Springer strikes out swinging. Jose Altuve doubles to deep left field. Michael Brantley singles to center field. Alex Bregman homers to left field. Michael Brantley scores. Yuli Gurriel grounds out to third base, Anthony Rendon to Ryan Zimmerman.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Nationals 2, Astros 2.Nationals seventh. Kurt Suzuki homers to center field. Victor Robles walks. Trea Turner walks. Victor Robles to second. Adam Eaton out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Ryan Pressly to Jose Altuve. Trea Turner to second. Victor Robles to third. Anthony Rendon flies out to center field to George Springer.... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):10:50 p.m.The Washington Nationals are three outs away from a 2-0 lead in the World Series before even playing a game at home.Adam Eaton pulled a deep two-run homer down the right field line in the eighth inning, and Asdrúbal Cabrera had an RBI single as the Nationals stretched their lead to 11-2 going into the ninth.Unless there is a huge comeback for the Astros in the ninth, the Nationals will become the 56th team to win the first two games in a World Series. The last 11 teams to do that have gone on to win the title, including Boston last season — and 44 of 55 overall (80 have gone on to be champions.The Nationals entered the game on their best 19-game stretch in team history, going 17-2 since Sept. 23.___10:21 p.m.Things only got worse for the Astros after Justin Verlander left.Verlander gave up Kurt Suzuki's tiebreaking homer to lead off the seventh and was done after walking Victor Robles.In came reliever Ryan Pressly,... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):10:21 p.m.Things only got worse for the Astros after Justin Verlander left.Verlander gave up Kurt Suzuki's tiebreaking homer to lead off the seventh and was done after walking Victor Robles.In came reliever Ryan Pressly, whose right knee has been giving him trouble for months. What followed was a messy display of baseball, perhaps the poorest of the season for the Astros, and at the worst time.Washington wound up scoring six times in all and taking an 8-2 lead, helped by a grounder that Alex Bregman couldn't handle cleanly and another ball the All-Star third baseman threw away.One other notable thing: The Astros issued their first intentional walk of the year. Manager AJ Hinch went the whole season without calling for one but put rookie Juan Soto on with two outs and runners on second and third.It was 3-2 at that point. Soon, the Nationals were up by six and fans were starting to file out of the stadium.___9:55 p.m.Justin Verlander... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):9:55 p.m.Justin Verlander is done two batters into the seventh inning, and the Houston Astros ace won't get his first World Series victory.The right-hander departed Game 2 with the Astros down 3-2 to the Nationals, who are looking to take a 2-0 series lead.Manager AJ Hinch made the pitching change after Kurt Suzuki opened the seventh with a tiebreaking homer and Verlander then walked No. 9 hitter Victor Robles.Verlander entered the game 0-4 with a 5.67 ERA in his first five World Series starts, with Houston and Detroit.___9:45 p.m.Kurt Suzuki homered in the top of the seventh to give the Nationals a 3-2 lead Wednesday night in Game 2.The Astros had threatened against Washington's Stephen Strasburg in the sixth when Yuli Gurriel doubled with one out and Yordan Álvarez took two balls, then was intentionally walked.Carlos Correa hit a humpback liner to second, dropping to 8 for 49 in the postseason. Kyle Tucker pinch hit for Robinson... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — He could have been Mad Max on a night his best was missing. Instead, he fenced and fought, shuffled and juggled.And so did the Washington Nationals bullpen.As the Houston Astros kept clawing within one big hit of a comeback, Scherzer and the Nationals just held on.Scherzer got through five innings of Max-imum effort for a 5-4 victory in Tuesday night's opener, becoming the first pitcher to win a World Series game for a Washington team since Earl Whitehill against the New York Giants in 1933.Unable to overwhelm, Scherzer threw a bit of the ol' razzle dazzle that included 112 pitches, nine full counts and six stranded runners."They grinded me apart. Pitch count was out of control, and that's a credit to what they were able to do and constantly put pressure on me," said Scherzer, who threw just 42 pitches out of his windup. "I was just not going to give in. I had to continue to bounce sliders and changeups in the dirt because I just did not want to give up another run."Nationals... [More]

Astros first. George Springer walks. Jose Altuve singles to left field. George Springer to second. Michael Brantley strikes out swinging. Alex Bregman strikes out swinging. Jose Altuve steals second. Yuli Gurriel doubles to deep left center field. Jose Altuve scores. George Springer scores. Carlos Correa strikes out on a foul tip.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Astros 2, Nationals 0.Nationals second. Howie Kendrick grounds out to shortstop, Carlos Correa to Yuli Gurriel. Asdrubal Cabrera pops out to shallow infield to Carlos Correa. Ryan Zimmerman homers to center field. Kurt Suzuki grounds out to shortstop, Carlos Correa to Yuli Gurriel.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Astros 2, Nationals 1.Nationals fourth. Juan Soto homers to center field. Howie Kendrick flies out to right field to Josh Reddick. Asdrubal Cabrera strikes out swinging. Ryan Zimmerman strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Nationals 2, Astros 2.Nationals fifth. Kurt Suzuki walks. Victor Robles singles... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):10:54 p.m.Juan Soto homered onto the train tracks high above the left field wall and hit a two-run double as the Washington Nationals tagged Gerrit Cole and the Houston Astros 5-4 Tuesday night in the World Series opener.Not even a history-making home run by postseason star George Springer and another drive that nearly tied it in the eighth inning could deter Washington.Ryan Zimmerman, still full of sock at 35, also homered to back a resourceful Max Scherzer and boost the wild-card Nationals in their first World Series game.Sean Doolittle pitched a perfect ninth for the save, only the second 1-2-3 inning on a night that Washington relievers were given a three-run lead and just held on.___10:40 p.m.The Houston Astros are closer, but still have some work to do in the ninth inning to avoid losing Game 1 of the World Series at home.Washington held on to a 5-4 lead after eight innings in its first-ever World Series game, after getting... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):10:15 p.m.George Springer greeted Tanner Rainey with a home run leading off the seventh inning, cutting the Houston Astros' deficit to 5-3 against the Washington Nationals in the World Series opener.Springer set a record by homering in his fifth straight World Series game, breaking a record he had shared with Lou Gehrig and Reggie Jackson.Houston loaded the bases when Rainey walked Michael Brantley and Alex Bregman with one out, and Carlos Correa reached on a two-out single to shortstop off Daniel Hudson.Hudson then struck out rookie Yordan Álvarez with the bases loaded.___9:42 p.m.Asdrúbal Cabrera singled to start the sixth but was erased when Ryan Zimmerman grounded into a double play. Gerrit Cole then retired Kurt Suzuki for the third out to wrap up a clean inning after giving up four runs combined in the previous two.Patrick Corbin took over for Max Scherzer in the bottom of the sixth and promptly struck out Carlos Correa... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):9:42 p.m.Asdrúbal Cabrera singled to start the sixth but was erased when Ryan Zimmerman grounded into a double play. Gerrit Cole then retired Kurt Suzuki for the third out to wrap up a clean inning after giving up four runs combined in the previous two.Patrick Corbin took over for Max Scherzer in the bottom of the sixth and promptly struck out Carlos Correa before rookie Yordan Alvarez singled to right field. But Corbin struck out Martín Maldonado before pinch-hitter Aledmys Díaz grounded out to end the inning.Scherzer allowed five hits and two runs with seven strikeouts. He threw 112 pitches, which were his most this postseason.___9:25 p.m.Gerritt Cole is pitching in a game without the lead for the first time since Sept. 2. The Houston Astros right-hander hasn't lost a game since May 22.Juan Soto, the 20-year-old for the Nationals already with a big solo homer, added a two-run double off the left field wall in the fifth inning... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):9:25 p.m.Gerritt Cole is pitching in a game without the lead for the first time since Sept. 2. The Houston Astros right-hander hasn't lost a game since May 22.Juan Soto, the 20-year-old for the Nationals already with a big solo homer, added a two-run double off the left field wall in the fifth inning as the Nationals took a 5-2 lead. He got stranded there when shortstop Carlos Correa made a lunging, fully extended catch on Howie Kendrick's liner that was headed toward left field.Adam Eaton's RBI single earlier in the fifth snapped a 2-2 tie.Cole entered Game 1 of the World Series having gone 19-0 in his last 25 starts. He was 3-0 with a 0.40 ERA, allowing only one run over 22 2-3 innings through the AL Division Series and AL Championship Series.The five runs by the Nationals are the most off the right-hander since he gave up six runs over five innings in a 9-4 home loss to the Chicago White Sox on May 22. He had allowed only... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):8:25 p.m.Gerrit Cole allowed one hit in a scoreless third after surrendering a solo home run to Ryan Zimmerman an inning earlier that got the Nationals within 2-1. Adam Eaton singled with two outs in the inning before Cole retired Anthony Rendon to end it.Cole has thrown 42 pitches through three innings.The Astros got a single from Michael Brantley with one out in the bottom of the frame and Yuli Gurriel followed with a single on a fly ball to shallow center field. Center fielder Victor Robles tried to grab it with a dive, but the ball bounced off the back of his shoulder as his glove popped off.Gurriel advanced to second on the play, but he and Brantley were left stranded when Carlos Correa struck out for the second time.Max Scherzer has thrown 69 pitches.___8:00 p.m.The first player ever drafted by the Washington Nationals hit the team's first World Series home run.Ryan Zimmerman, picked by the Nationals in 2005 and the only... [More]