JUAN SOTO

Yuli Gurriel went 3-for-4 with a homer, Justin Verlander pitched five scoreless innings and the Houston Astros beat the Washington Nationals 8-0.

Yadiel Hernandez and Maikel Franco homered and the Washington Nationals ended the Houston Astros’ 11-game winning streak with a 13-6 romp.

Taijuan Walker pitched seven no-fuss innings and the New York Mets remained unbeaten in 10 series this season, cruising past the sloppy Washington Nationals 4-1.

Shohei Ohtani hit a tying, two-run double in the ninth inning, Anthony Rendon followed with a game-ending single against his former team and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Washington Nationals 5-4.

As they wait for star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. to return from knee surgery, the World Series champion Atlanta Braves are off to a slow start at 7-10.

Austin Slater smacked a three-run homer as part of a seven-run second inning against struggling Washington starter Patrick Corbin, and the San Francisco Giants cruised past the Nationals 7-1.

A six-run lead in the ninth inning wasn't enough for Giants manager Gabe Kapler, and the Nationals took exception. With two outs in the top of the ninth on Friday night and San Francisco ahead 7-1, the Giants' Thairo Estrada took off on an 0-1 pitch and Brandon Crawford blooped a single over Washington shortstop Alcides Escobar, who grabbed the ball and threw out Estrada at the plate.

The Lerner family that has owned the Washington Nationals since 2006 is exploring the possibility of selling the Major League Baseball franchise.

Nelson Cruz hit his 450th home run and added a tiebreaking two-run single in three-run eighth inning that lifted the Washington Nationals over the Mets 4-2 and prevented New York from an opening four-game sweep.

Benches and bullpens emptied and the Mets and Nationals confronted each other on the infield grass after Francisco Lindor was struck by a pitch from Steve Cishek in the fifth inning.

Max Scherzer says he is “good to go” for his New York Mets debut in Friday’s second game of the season against the Washington Nationals.

Will Strasburg bounce back from surgery? Will Corbin and Robles hit their strides? Unknowns make interesting baseball.

Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander pitched five solid innings in his final spring training tune-up Sunday and pronounced himself healthy and ready to start the season.

Nelson Cruz quickly showed the Washington Nationals he could bring more than a booming bat to his new team. After standing in the batter’s box as Erick Fedde threw a live bullpen, Cruz approached right-hander with a message: He was tipping his pitches. “I saw something before he threw me the last pitch,” Cruz said Thursday.

Stephen Strasburg is slated to throw a live bullpen session next week as the Washington Nationals get spring training camp started.

Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani was unanimously voted American League MVP for a two-way season not seen since Babe Ruth, and Bryce Harper earned the National League honor for the second time.

Toronto left-hander Robbie Ray bounced back from a dismal season to win the AL Cy Young Award and Milwaukee righty Corbin Burnes returned from a bout of COVID-19 to win the NL’s top pitching prize.

Two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels has been selected major league player of the year by Baseball Digest and eBay.

Trea Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston’s Yuli Gurriel won their first batting titles in a season of boom and bust that saw four teams lose 100 games for only the third time, and four 90-game winners in the AL East alone.

The Boston Red Sox have clinched a playoff berth on the regular season’s final day and will host the New York Yankees in the AL wild-card game after coming back to beat the Washington Nationals 7-5 on a tiebreaking two-run homer by Rafael Devers in the ninth inning.

Christian Vázquez tripled home the tiebreaking run in the ninth inning and the Boston Red Sox moved to the brink of a postseason berth with a 5-3 win over the Washington Nationals.

Christian Vázquez tripled home the tiebreaking run in the ninth inning and the Boston Red Sox moved to the brink of a postseason berth with a 5-3 win over the Washington Nationals on Saturday. Boston is tied with the Yankees for the top AL wild card entering the final day of the regular season. The Red Sox will send ace Chris Sale to the mound Sunday needing a victory to punch a playoff ticket.

Four teams are separated by two games in the AL wild-card chase, with the Yankees clinging to a one-game lead for the top spot with two games remaining.

Major League Baseball has suspended Washington Nationals starting pitcher Sean Nolin five games for intentionally hitting Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman.

Andrew McCutchen drove in four runs and the Philadelphia Phillies erased a six-run deficit against the Washington Nationals to earn a 7-6 victory and a three-game sweep.

Javier Báez and his New York Mets teammates turned the boos at Citi Field to cheers this weekend — and turned their thumbs upside down at frustrated fans.

Major league home run leader Shohei Ohtani is set to pitch for the Angels in his first outing since tossing a perfect first inning in the All-Star Game.

Four San Diego relievers combined to toss four scoreless innings and the Padres defeated the Washington Nationals 10-4 in the completion of a game that was suspended the previous night because of a shooting outside the stadium.

Jake Cronenworth hit for his first career cycle, Wil Myers had two homers including a grand slam, and the San Diego Padres blew out the Washington Nationals 24-8.

Mets slugger Pete Alonso took a step closer to defending his Home Run Derby title by beating Juan Soto and advancing to the final.

As five dozen players sat outside Coors Field ahead of the All-Star Game, they looked forward to the Greatest Sho on Earth.

Trea Turner completed his record-tying third career cycle by hitting a sixth-inning triple for the Washington Nationals, accomplishing the feat on his 28th birthday in a 15-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Kyle Schwarber led off the first inning with his 12th home run in 10 games, and the Washington Nationals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 to move above.

Washington’s Kyle Schwarber led off the first inning against Tampa Bay with his 12th home run in 10 games, tying Albert Belle in 1995 for the most over that span since at least 1901.

Starlin Castro hit a go-ahead, two-run single off closer Hector Neris in the ninth inning and the Washington Nationals rallied three times to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 13-12.

Jon Lester pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning to gain his first win for Washington, Kyle Schwarber backed him with four RBIs on a pair of home runs and the Nationals beat the New York Mets 6-2 to split a day-night doubleheader.

Erick Fedde returned after nearly a month on the COVID-19 injured list and pitched five sharp innings, Kyle Schwarber hit a leadoff homer and the Washington Nationals beat the San Francisco Giants 2-0 to open a doubleheader.

For a third straight year, the Washington Nationals have dug themselves an early hole.

The Mets may need to reassess their rotation after learning Thursday that right-hander Noah Syndergaard won’t throw for at least six weeks due to inflammation in his right elbow.

Bryce Harper treated heckling fans to a long home run, Andrew Knapp delivered a key pinch-hit in place of injured catcher J.

Gleyber Torres’ tying single in the ninth inning and a winning infield single in the 11th helped the New York Yankees overcame Max Scherzer’s commanding 14-strikeout performance to beat the Washington Nationals 4-3.

Huascar Ynoa hit a grand slam and pitched seven stress-free innings in a dominant two-way performance, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 6-1 victory over the Washington Nationals.

The Washington Nationals have reinstated outfielder Juan Soto from the 10-day injured list, but last year’s NL batting champion will be limited to pinch-hitting duty for now.

Max Scherzer pitched a five-hitter, Ryan Zimmerman hit a three-run homer and the Washington Nationals defeated the Miami Marlins 3-1.

Max Scherzer struck out nine in six scoreless innings to move up to No. 21 on the career Ks leaderboard, and Alex Avila drove in the game’s lone run with one of his two doubles, helping the Washington Nationals edge the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0.

Dinelson Lamet is set for his season debut with the Padres after working back from elbow discomfort that caused him to miss the end of the 2020 season, including the playoffs.

Washington Nationals right fielder Juan Soto has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left shoulder.

Yan Gomes homered and added an RBI single to help the Washington Nationals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2 for their first back-to-back wins this season.

Kyle Schwarber doubled in a run in his delayed Nationals debut, Andrew Stevenson had a pinch-hit homer and Washington beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-2.

Left fielder Kyle Schwarber, first baseman Josh Bell and infielder Josh Harrison have been reinstated from the injured list by the Washington Nationals.

Atlanta pinch-hitter Pablo Sandoval drove a two-run homer to the deepest part of the ballpark off a Washington reliever who took over after Stephen Strasburg’s six scoreless innings to lift the Braves to a 2-0 victory over the Nationals and a doubleheader sweep.

Juan Soto drove in the winning run with a single on a 3-0 pitch in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the coronavirus-depleted Washington Nationals to a 6-5 comeback victory over the Atlanta Braves after waiting five days to start their season.

The Washington Nationals are finally set to start their season, hosting the Atlanta Braves after their three-game series against the New York Mets was postponed by a coronavirus outbreak.

The Washington Nationals have held a workout at their stadium as they prepare to finally start their season.

The Washington Nationals stunned the Houston Astros 6-2 in a winner-take-all Game Seven on Wednesday to secure their maiden Major League Baseball World Series title in a Fall Classic unlike any other. Manager Dave Martinez #4 of the Washington Nationals hoists the Commissioners Trophy after defeating the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game Seven to win the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. Washington Nationals catcher Yan Gomes (10) celebrates after defeating the Houston Astros in game seven of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park. The victory set off celebrations in Washington, a city whose last World Series victory came in 1924 when the Senators defeated the New York Giants. Fans react to the World Series Game 7 on a big screen just a block from Nationals Park at Walter's Sports Bar on October 30, 2019 in Washington, DC.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Astros are down to the wire following a 7-2 loss to the Nationals in a nail-biting Game 6. But despite their loss, Tuesday's game was a historic night for Alex Bregman.Houston's third baseman became the youngest player to ever hit three home runs in a single World Series. It all happened during the first inning when Bregman broke the 1-1 tie, sending fans into a frenzy and giving the Astros a 2-1 lead.After firing his home run, Bregman took his bat with him all the way to first base. "It's not how I was raised to play the game. Sorry for doing that," he said.When he took the mic, Soto said he saw Bregman carry the bat to first base and thought it looked cool, so he wanted to do it as well.Houston and Washington face off Wednesday night in a winner-take-all battle starting at 7:08 p.m.

Getty ImagesHOUSTON - Game 6 of the World Series appeared to be a battle of sluggers. Both Alex Bregman, of the Houston Astros, and Juan Soto, of the Washington Nationals, hit home runs to give their teams the lead. Bregman carried his bat all the way to first base and dropped it while rounding the base after his first-inning home run that gave Houston a 2-1 lead. #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/ULmybCoSaG MLB (@MLB) October 30, 2019Soto did something similar after hitting his fifth-inning home run that gave the Nationals a 3-2 lead. Jeffers added that Soto was asked the same thing and said he just thought it was cool and wanted to do it, too.

#astros pic.twitter.com/RYLKhBq0yd David Nuo (@DavidNunoABC13) October 28, 2019Cole is off the charts (again). Truly elite #WorldSeries #Astros #TakeItBack Greg Bailey (@GregBailey13) October 28, 2019Yordan 3 for 3. Brantley and Bregman both sent balls to the warning track in the field, just short of home runs that resulted in outs. It cut the Astros lead to 4-1.The Nationals seemed to be gaining some momentum after Cole walked Ryan Zimmerman. The Nationals hope he's available for a Game 7, if necessary.RELATED:The World Series is set to return to Houston on Tuesday for a Game 6.

#astros pic.twitter.com/RYLKhBq0yd David Nuo (@DavidNunoABC13) October 28, 2019Cole is off the charts (again). Truly elite #WorldSeries #Astros #TakeItBack Greg Bailey (@GregBailey13) October 28, 2019Yordan 3 for 3. Ross finished his night giving up four runs on the two home runs from Gurriel and Correa. Brantley and Bregman both sent balls to the warning track in the field, just short of home runs that resulted in outs. The Nationals hope he's available for a Game 7, if necessary.RELATED:The World Series is set to return to Houston on Tuesday for a Game 6.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTRK) -- After a dominant Game 4 victory in the World Series, the Houston Astros are riding all the momentum going into Game 5.George Springer fell down 0-2 in the count, but fought back and was walked by Joe Ross to start the night. Jose Altuve hit into a double play to erase the lead-off walk. It was announced Sunday afternoon that Max Scherzer was scratched due to neck spasms.RELATED:When speaking to the media, Scherzer said he could barely lift his arm and that it's impossible for him to pitch right now. The Nationals hope he's available for a Game 7, if necessary.RELATED:The World Series is set to return to Houston on Tuesday for a Game 6. Whoever wins Sunday night will be hoping to celebrate on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTRK) -- After a dominant Game 4 victory in the World Series, the Houston Astros are riding all the momentum going into Game 5.George Springer fell down 0-2 in the count, but fought back and was walked by Joe Ross to start the night. Jose Altuve hit into a double play to erase the lead-off walk. It was announced Sunday afternoon that Max Scherzer was scratched due to neck spasms.RELATED:When speaking to the media, Scherzer said he could barely lift his arm and that it's impossible for him to pitch right now. The Nationals hope he's available for a Game 7, if necessary.RELATED:The World Series is set to return to Houston on Tuesday for a Game 6. Whoever wins Sunday night will be hoping to celebrate on Tuesday.

8-1 win to tie the #WorldSeries2019 #TakeItBack Greg Bailey (@GregBailey13) October 27, 2019EMBED >More News Videos Mattress Mack said he's still expecting to distribute lots of free mattresses after the World Series. Brantley followed Altuve's footsteps with a blooper to centerfield.Bregman continued the Astros' momentum with a line-drive single to left field that brought Altuve home to give the Astros a 1-0 lead. Marisnick successfully stole second base in the midst of Springer's at-bat. It led to Bregman completely silencing Nationals park with a grand slam that was rocked near the left field pole to extend the Astros lead to 8-1. A strikeout from Tucker ended the Astros' monstrous inning.Hector Rondon entered in the seventh, and Victor Robles reached base on a single with one out.

Chirinos HR and Bregman slam, plus gutty bullpen and a little #Astros defense. 8-1 win to tie the #WorldSeries2019 #TakeItBack Greg Bailey (@GregBailey13) October 27, 2019EMBED >More News Videos Mattress Mack said he's still expecting to distribute lots of free mattresses after the World Series. Brantley followed Altuve's footsteps with a blooper to centerfield.Bregman continued the Astros' momentum with a line-drive single to left field that brought Altuve home to give the Astros a 1-0 lead. Marisnick successfully stole second base in the midst of Springer's at-bat. It led to Bregman completely silencing Nationals park with a grand slam that was rocked near the left field pole to extend the Astros lead to 8-1.

Down 0-2 and with the World Series turning to Washington, the Astros' odds of a comeback is....EMBED >More News Videos Let's just hope the Washington Nationals just jinxed themselves by doing this. "I just liked the competitiveness of our at-bats," Astros manager AJ Hinch said. "Houston can even things up in Game 4 on Saturday night at Nationals Park. The 35-year-old righty had taken a no-hitter into the eighth inning of his previous start, in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series against St. Louis two weeks earlier. He is 1-2 with a 6.91 ERA, including one scoreless inning in relief during Game 1 of the World Series.

The Astros, on the heels of an absolute clubbing by the Washington Nationals Wednesday night, held a players only meeting to try and sort things out. In the history of the World Series, only 13 teams have come back after going into an 0-2 hole. But, the Nationals are on fire and with Game 3 Friday night in the nation's capital, we have some thoughts. History in the makingThere hasn't been a World Series game played in D.C. in almost 90 years and the Nationals hadn't won a postseason series in the 15 years of their existence until 2019. If they can't shake off the funk in Game 3, this series is going to be over before they leave D.C. Somebody, get a voodoo high priest on the line.

He has allowed only three more hits since Houston had three consecutive one-out hits in the first. He has thrown 56 of 86 pitches for strikes.Verlander and Strasburg both settled in nicely through four innings. They haven't given up a lot since each gave up two runs in the first.Aiming for his first World Series win, Verlander at least ensured his place on future blooper reels. Even in a tense matchup, it's still a kid's game.Houston threatened in the third inning, putting runners at the corners. He allowed four hits and one walk with four strikeouts.Soto, playing his last game as a 20-year-old, doubled with two outs in the third for the Nationals' fourth hit.

"I'm glad I face him in spring training," Soto said. Meanwhile, forgive local fans coming to a World Series watch party this week at the park for feeling a bit conflicted. "We see them in spring training so much," Astros star Alex Bregman said. This World Series matchup is the first in the modern era to feature teams that share a common spring training site. Seven spring training sites currently host two teams, including Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox.

HOUSTON - In 2017, the Astros lost Game 1 to the Dodgers on their way to winning the World Series. In the 2019 ALCS, the Astros lost Game 1 to the Yankees on their way to winning the pennant. Losing game 1 isn't new, and losing game 1 does not mean there is a reason to panic. COLE IS HUMANThe Astros ace and likely Cy Young winner got tagged for five runs in seven innings. Likely Game 3 starter Patrick Corbin pitched the sixth inning for Washington, and did what he was supposed to do: get lefties out, and out of the game.

2-0 #Astros #TakeItBack Greg Bailey (@GregBailey13) October 23, 2019#Astros give Cole a 2 run lead and theyve ignited the loudest crowd in baseball. 1st inning gets an A+#TakeItBack Greg Bailey (@GregBailey13) October 23, 2019Cole gives up monster shot to Zimmerman in 2nd. #Astros #TakeItBack Greg Bailey (@GregBailey13) October 23, 2019AJ is steaming. #Astros #TakeItBack Greg Bailey (@GregBailey13) October 23, 2019Nationals and Scherzer survive 4th. Michael Brantley took a strikeout, but during Alex Bregman's at-bat, Springer pounced on third base on a Scherzer wild pitch.

Getty ImagesHOUSTON - The Houston Astros and Washington Nationals will face off in a World Series featuring teams that have rarely made it. Houston is in its second World Series in three years, and its third all-time. The last time a Washington team made the World Series was 1933, and that was the Senators. As soon as Bryce Harper left in free agency, the Nationals are in the World Series. RF Juan SotoSoto turns 21 in the middle of the World Series and is already one of the best hitters in the National League.