Astros Cheating Makes Nationals World Series Upset All the More Impressive
By Jackson Thompson
While most teams in baseball feel a sense of anger in the aftermath of the Houston Astros cheating scandal, one franchise has seemingly been elevated by it. The Washington Nationals became de-facto heroes when it was revealed that they had saved another World Series victory from falling into the hands of baseball's frauds.
The Nationals World Series victory was already a 'national' feel-good story. The underdog team that snuck into the playoffs rode a magic carpet ride to an improbable World Series upset, ending a 51-year championship drought.
The Nationals had a 0.1% chance of winning the World Series last May. Who knows what that number would have looked like if the oddsmakers knew their opponent was cheating. Not only did they overcome a team that could have been using an illegal technological advantage, but they won all four games at Minute Maid Park this October.
Nats GM Mike Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez deserve extensions after their riveting and uplifting World Series upset. Rizzo heads into his lame duck year and Davey has a year and option left. Gotta think something happens in spring. No word yet though.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 16, 2020
The Astros sign-stealing technology was most effective inside their home ball park, and it did not cost Washington a single game when stacked against those odds. They won all four games in Houston, including a 6-2 Game 7 victory.
Max Scherzer held the cheating Astros hitters to two runs on seven hits in the game, allowing the Nationals to mount a comeback in the last three innings.
Its a circumstance that puts the 2019 Nationals among the greatest champions of the 21st century.