Astros History of Series Openers Proves They Should Have No Trouble Getting off the Mat
By Michael Luciano
Contrary to popular belief, the sky is not falling in Houston. It's pretty easy to opt for the doom and gloom route as it pertains to the Astros' chances of pulling out a win in the 2019 World Series, as only four of the last 22 teams to lose Game 1 have gone on to take home the series. However, this is the Astros we're talking about here, and AJ Hinch's crew have a knack for coming from behind to win in the playoffs.
Astros Game 1 Losses Since 2017:
— Katie Sharp (@ktsharp) October 23, 2019
2019 World Series
2019 ALCS**
2017 World Series**
**won series
They've already taken down a stacked Los Angeles Dodgers team and a miraculous New York Yankees side, so the Washington Nationals should be no trouble, right?
Well, these Nationals tagged the previously immaculate Gerrit Cole for five runs, three of which came off the red-hot bat of 20-year-old superstar Juan Soto.
Gerrit Cole had won 19 straight decisions. He hadn't faced Juan Soto yet. pic.twitter.com/0DTL2C42EJ
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) October 23, 2019
The Astros lineup might be as deep as they come, but they got here thanks to their starting pitching. If they want to maintain their perfect comeback record, Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke need to be un-hittable in Games 2 and 3.