5 Bold Predictions for the World Series

Jose Altuve's iconic walk-off two-run blast sent the Astros to the World Series, where they'll meet the Washington Nationals, who are in the Fall Classic for the first time in franchise history. The Nats defied the odds by even making the postseason, better yet stunning the Dodgers and trouncing the Cardinals to make it to the World Series.

This series should go down to the wire, and now that the stage is set, here are five bold predictions for the World Series.

5. Gerrit Cole Sets Single Game Strikeout Record

Gerrit Cole is coming off a regular season that saw him record 326 strikeouts in just 212.1 innings. He had double-digit strikeouts in 21 starts this season, and he's logged 32 Ks in 20.2 innings in the postseason, going 3-0 with a 0.40 ERA. To say he's at the top of his game is a massive understatement, and he'll look to carry his form into the World Series. We're predicting Cole will shatter the longstanding single game strikeout record held by Bob Gibson, who struck out 17 batters in 1968.

4. Justin Verlander Throws a No-Hitter

We saw Justin Verlander throw a no-hitter at the beginning of September, so who's to say the veteran can't pull it off again, this time on the game's biggest stage? While the Nationals have a lot of potent hitters in the order, when JV's stuff is at its best, he's practically un-hittable to begin with. His Achilles Heel has been the long ball, but if he can keep the ball in the park, JV has a shot at blanking the Nats.

3. Anthony Rendon Breaks Record for Most Hits in World Series

Anthony Rendon is a hitting machine. After slashing .319/.412/.568 in the regular season, he's continued his torrid pace into the postseason. In October, Rendon has slashed .375/.465/.594 with a homer and eight walks. It wouldn't be too surprising to see the star third baseman shatter the record of 13 hits in a World Series held by Bobby Richardson, Lou Brock and Marty Barrett.

2. Nationals Win the World Series

While the Nationals are underdogs heading into this series, they have the talent to take down the Astros. And their biggest advantage are the capable starters they will likely utilize in the series. The Astros plan to use a three-man rotation, so Washington's hurlers will be a bit more rested for the pivotal games. Not to mention, the Nats had a few extra days rest after making quick work of the Cardinals. If Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg each make two starts in this series, it'll make things extremely difficult for the 'Stros. Don't forget about Patrick Corbin either.

1. Howie Kendrick Wins World Series MVP

Howie Kendrick had one of his best years in the big leagues during his age-35 season. Kendrick slashed .344/.395/.572 with 17 homers and 62 RBI, and came up clutch in October with an extra-inning grand slam against the Dodgers. He already won NLCS MVP, and if he can stay hot for the Fall Classic, he could be a dark horse candidate to take home World Series MVP honors too.