Houston Astros and Washington Nationals Reunite in World Series Rematch: Astros Look to Avenge 2019 Loss as Verlander Returns

The Houston Astros had a phenomenal 2019 season, winning 107 games and finishing with the best record in baseball. They entered the postseason as the No. 1 seed in the American League and faced the Tampa Bay Rays in the Division Series, ultimately winning three games to two. In the ALCS, they defeated the New York Yankees 4-2 after dropping the first game of the series.

Their opponent in the World Series, the Washington Nationals, also had an outstanding year, winning 98 games and claiming their first World Series title. The Nationals are commemorating their 2019 World Series victory with a five-year anniversary weekend celebration that coincides with their series against the Astros. Washington will have special events, including night fireworks set to “2019 World Champion Music” on Friday, and the first 20,000 fans at Saturday’s game will receive a replica World Series ring.

The Nationals will also play a 2019 World Series video before the game, and players from their championship team will be involved in pre-game activities. While only three active Washington players were part of the 2019 championship team, seven players from Houston’s roster played key roles in their loss to Washington last October.

Justin Verlander is one of those seven players who will make his season debut on Friday against Washington at Minute Maid Park. He hopes to lead his team to victory and perhaps get some revenge for his heartbreaking performance in Game 7 of last year’s World Series matchup between these two teams.