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Juan Soto Powers Nationals in World Series Game 1 Win Over Gerrit Cole, Astros

Oct 22, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto (22) celebrates with second baseman Howie Kendrick (47) after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning of game one of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Nationals snagged Game 1 of the World Series on the road in Houston on Tuesday, taking a 1–0 series lead behind the bat of 20-year-old leftfielder Juan Soto.

Soto ripped an opposite-field home run in the fourth inning off Astros ace Gerrit Cole, who suffered his first loss in 19 decisions on Tuesday, to tie the game, 2-2. 

An inning later, Soto smacked a double to left, driving in Anthony Rendon and Victor Robles to give the Nationals a 5–2 lead.

Astros leadoff hitter George Springer made a solo effort to cut Washington's lead down the stretch. The 2017 World Series MVP blasted a solo home run to centerfield in the seventh, then drove in Kyle Tucker with a double in the eighth, making it a one-run game. Springer was stranded on a Michael Brantley lineout to end the inning.

The Astros jumped on Nationals' starting pitcher Max Scherzer in the first inning on Tuesday. Yuli Gurriel gave Houston a 2-0 lead in the first inning, banging a double off the leftfield fence.

Ryan Zimmerman put Washington on the board with a solo home run in the second inning. 

Game 2 of the World Series will be on Wednesday. Stephen Strasburg will start for the Nationals, while Justin Verlander starts for the Astros. First pitch from Minute Maid Park in Houston is slated for 8:07 p.m. ET. 

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