ZACK GREINKE

Tyler Kepner traces the history of the Fall Classic, its biggest stars and its most memorable moments.

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright and catcher Yadier Molina have made their 325th career start together, setting a major league record for most as a battery.

Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw are two-way praisers.

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will start for the National League on Tuesday night in the first All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium since 1980, and Tampa Bay’s Shane McClanahan will be on the mound for the American League.

Yordan Alvarez threw out Hunter Dozier at the plate from just short of the warning track in left field to preserve a two-run, eighth-inning lead, then hit his 25th homer as the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 9-7.

New York Mets ace Max Scherzer returns to a major league mound for the first time since May 18 when the NL East leaders play at Cincinnati on Tuesday night.

Zach Greinke allowed just one run on four hits, helping the Kansas City Royals avoid a three-game sweep by beating the Texas Rangers 2-1.

First, Albert Pujols.

Paul Goldschmidt hit an early home run and Steven Matz and the St. Louis bullpen made it stand up, leading the Cardinals over the Kansas City Royals 1-0.

Albert Pujols homered for the first time since returning to St. Louis and Andrew Knizner hit a three-run shot as the Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals 6-5.

Albert Pujols called his shot. The veteran slugger told Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol he was going to hit the first pitch he saw Tuesday night for a home run — and then did just that. Pujols homered for the first time since returning to St. Louis and Andrew Knizner launched a three-run shot as the Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Tuesday night.

Cubs veteran Kyle Hendricks is set to deliver the first pitch of the season against Corbin Burnes and Milwaukee at Wrigley Field just past 2:20 p.m. EDT, the first of seven games still on the calendar amid rainy forecasts across the country.

It was an impressive holdout for the National League, which made it nearly 50 years staving off a full-time designated hitter rule that the American League implemented before the 1973 season.

If the universal designated hitter returns to the National League for good next season as many people believe, don’t be looking for the role to be filled with prototypical aging superstars who no longer play a position.

Carlos Correa and Yuli Gurriel earn Gold Glove awards for 2021

Dusty Baker will return as manager of the Houston Astros for a third season after agreeing to a one-year contract with the AL champions.

Atlanta’s 7-0 win over Houston in Game 6 to win the World Series could mark the end of an era for the Astros.

Atlanta’s 7-0 victory over Houston in Game 6 to win the World Series could mark the end of an era for the Astros.

Carlos Correa and the Houston Astros broke out the bats just in time to extend this World Series.

Jose Altuve and the Astros added on in the eighth inning, pushing their lead to 9-5 and moving closer to taking this World Series back to Houston.

Game 5 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves might have represented a historic moment for Major League Baseball.

Grinning the whole time, Zack Greinke slipped into his Astros warmup jacket, joked with Freddie Freeman and got a friendly pat from the Atlanta star first baseman. Because after Game 5 of the World Series, they could become almost extinct. There’s a good chance Major League Baseball will bring the designated hitter to the National League next year — likely forever.

Time and time again, the Houston Astros put runners on base.

A guy who spent most of the season in the minors kept the Braves in it.

A guy who spent most of the season in the minors kept the Braves in it. Just like that, Atlanta is one win from its first World Series title in 26 years. Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Jorge Soler connected for back-to-back homers in the seventh inning Saturday night, propelling the Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros and a commanding 3-1 Series lead.

The Houston Astros are one game away from their World Series quest ending after an Atlanta Braves’ comeback 3-2 victory on Saturday night.

Eddie Rosario sparked Atlanta’s late comeback with his bat and helped preserve the Braves’ 3-2 lead with his glove.

Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Jorge Soler hit back-to-back homers in the seventh inning, propelling the Atlanta Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros and a three games to one lead in the World Series. The Braves can wrap up the title on their home field, just as they did two stadiums ago when they beat the Cleveland Indians in 1995. Swanson’s one-out drive made it 2-all and Soler followed with a liner to left field off reliever Cristian Javier.

Rookie starter Ian Anderson and the Braves' bullpen took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning, Austin Riley and Travis d’Arnaud drove in runs and Atlanta beat the Houston Astros 2-0 to grab a two games to one lead in the World Series.

Game 3 of the World Series will be a bit of a throwback to the days before interleague play and players frequently changing teams.

In a postseason already marked by curious pitching strategy, Julio Urías returns to his regular role in the rotation when the Los Angeles Dodgers play Atlanta in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series.

The ALCS is all tied up 2-2 after the Astros poured it on late with a 7-run 9th inning to defeat the Red Sox 9-2 on Tuesday evening.

Trailing 2-0 in the NL Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers have the Atlanta Braves right where they want them.

Houston’s pitching staff will need to adjust quickly after allowing 25 runs and 32 hits to Boston in the first three games of the AL Championship Series, a barrage that made the loss of injured Lance McCullers Jr. seem acute.

Houston's pitching staff will need to adjust quickly after allowing 25 runs and 32 hits to Boston in the first three games of the AL Championship Series, a barrage that made the loss of injured Lance McCullers Jr. seem acute. Kyle Schwarber hit Boston’s third grand slam in an 11-inning span, a drive off starter José Urquidy as part of a six-run second inning in Monday night's 12-3 rout that gave the Red Sox a 2-1 series lead. Boston hit four home runs, raising its total to nine off Astros pitching, which has a 7.96 ERA.

Kyle Schwarber's grand slam helped the Red Sox rout the Houston Astros 12-3 to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven AL Championship Series.

With Shohei Ohtani, Bryce Harper and the rest of baseball's MVP front-runners left out of the postseason, there's a chance for some budding stars to cement their place among the game's top names.

AL batting champion Yuli Gurriel hit a winning RBI single in the ninth inning, and the AL West champion Houston Astros headed to the postseason with a 7-6 win over the Oakland Athletics.

Houston Astros pitcher Zack Greinke had a successful first rehab appearance for the Sugar Land Skeeters on Thursday evening.

Carlos Correa hit his career-high 25th homer with a three-run shot and the Houston Astros clinched the AL West with a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Drew Rasmussen and three relievers combined for a three-hitter, Brandon Lowe and Ji-Man Choi both homered and the Tampa Bay Rays coasted past the Houston Astros 7-0, giving them the No. 1 seed in the American League playoffs.

Shohei Ohtani scored the go-ahead run in the sixth inning and the Los Angeles Angels snapped a six-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros.

Jose Siri and Chas McCormick hit back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning, rallying the AL West-leading Houston Astros over the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 on Sunday. Carlos Correa also homered as the Astros held their comfortable division lead over Oakland. Houston won for the fourth time in five games and cut Tampa Bay’s lead for the best record in the AL to 3 ½ games.

Kole Calhoun knocked in the go-ahead run with an RBI single and Daulton Varsho homered as the Arizona Diamondbacks scored three runs in the 10th inning for a 6-4 win over the Houston Astros.

All-Star slugger Adolis García tied the Rangers' single-season rookie record with his 30th home run and last-place Texas beat the AL West-leading Houston Astros 8-1.

Jose Siri homered twice and added a two-run single in his first big league start, Yordan Alvarez hit a pair of 400-foot homers and the AL West-leading Houston Astros overwhelmed the last-place Texas Rangers 15-1.

Houston Astros right-hander Zack Greinke makes his first start Tuesday night since testing positive for COVID-19 last month.

Hey Siri, this was a first start to remember after all of those years working to get to the majors. Jose Siri homered twice and added a two-run single while becoming the first big league player since RBIs became official in 1920 to have two homers and five RBIs in a first career start as the AL West-leading Houston Astros overwhelmed the last-place Texas Rangers 15-1 on Monday night. “I feel really happy, I feel really proud of myself to be able to accomplish that," Siri, who finished 4 for 5 and scored three times, said through a translator.

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole (14-7, 2.78 ERA), pushed back because of left hamstring tightness, is set to start on six days’ rest at Baltimore. Cole will have a new shortstop behind him, too, after New York moved error-prone Gleyber Torres to second base Monday. Torres will spend the rest of the season at second, manager Aaron Boone said.

Luis Rengifo homered with three RBIs to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 4-2 win over the Houston Astros Saturday night.

Shohei Ohtani hit his major league-leading 44th home run, but got tagged early by José Altuve, Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros in a 10-5 over the Los Angeles Angels.

Rookie Jake Meyers homered and drove in four runs as the Houston Astros jumped on Yusei Kikuchi early and sailed to an 11-2 win over the Seattle Mariners.

Rookie right-hander Logan Gilbert and four relievers combined to shut out Houston for the second straight day and J.

Yordan Álvarez and Carlos Correa both homered as the AL West-leading Houston Astros beat the rookie-laden Texas Rangers 5-2.

Whit Merrifield had three hits and three RBIs, Salvador Perez extended a career high with his 33rd homer and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 7-1.

Ty France tied the game with a solo home run in the ninth inning and put the Seattle Mariners on top with an RBI single in the 11th before Kyle Seager belted a three-run homer in a 6-3 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.

Hunter Dozier hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning, and the Kansas City Royals earned their third straight win over Houston, beating the Astros 3-2 Wednesday night.

Daniel Lynch allowed one run over seven sharp innings as the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 3-1.

Kyle Tucker hit his first career grand slam, Zack Greinke pitched two-hit ball over seven scoreless innings and the Houston Astros beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-1.

^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. With that positive spirit in mind, I have come to the conclusion that we are not enjoying the fact that Zack Greinke is a Houston Astro nearly enough! Among players with Astro ties who could still conceivably go in before my love of fried foods wipes me out — Roger Clemens, Jeff Kent, Billy Wagner, Justin Verlander, Zack Greinke, and maybe Jose Altuve. Lastly, proof that being good at your job makes you "eccentric and funny" and being horrible at your job makes you "unfunny and annoying"I give you Zack Greinke, future Hall of Famer... The only milestones Zack Greinke cares about?

^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. His ability to stay healthy in the COVID-shortened season was as important for him as it was the Astros. Because of his injury history, it's difficult to imagine him completing an entire healthy season, which is why his importance to the rotation is a 50/50 proposition. Whitley still has killer stuff and remains the only serious pitching prospect for the Astros ready to play at the major-league level. If he can maintain control and, more critically, stay healthy, he has a chance to have a big impact on the Astros season.

The Astros clawed their way to a win, looking more like the resilient team we were used to on Wednesday night. It was the kind of performance we've come to expect from the Astros over the last few seasons. Thursday night, however, is another game and another opportunity to stave off elimination or head home to Houston for a long offseason. Baker's ExperienceIn Game 4, Baker's decision to leave Greinke in the game turned out to be a master stroke. Looking AheadWe cannot help but wonder, if this ends the Astros season, what will the team look like next year?

It's incredible to think how hated the Astros are, but only peruse Twitter for a while and you can feel the hate. That was even more evident after the Game 4 win over the A's on Thursday. The Astros blasted Oakland 11-6, hitting four more home runs (both teams had a remarkable 23 in the four-game series) and moving on to the ALCS beginning Monday against the winner of the Rays-Yankees series. Yahoo Sports summed it up with the headline, "Like It or Not, Astros are Back in the ALCS." It was a bit of a surprise that Zack Greinke managed to play in this game.

But, in the ninth inning of a pitcher's duel, the Astros came through with a 4-1 win thanks to walks, a fortunate error and timely hitting. In some ways, it was reminiscent of previous Astros teams taking advantage of unforced errors and being disciplined at the plate. With two outs in the ninth, the Astros should have been off the field and headed to the bottom of the inning tied at one. For all the worries over Astros pitching in light of Justin Verlander's injury and the loss of Gerrit Cole in free agency, Valdez is one of the real bright spots in their rotation's future. On Tuesday, he was the reason they won Game 1.

In 2017, the Astros went into the postseason with great hope and a newly acquired Justin Verlander. In 2018, they went into the postseason with experience from the previous year and, again, great hope, even if they were a little banged up. #ForTheH pic.twitter.com/TmDcLupDIn — Houston Astros (@astros) September 26, 2020Still, with a football team in town that's 0-3, who am I to quibble over how or why our baseball team is celebrating a playoff berth, right? The condensed nature of this postseason, with fewer off days than a normal postseason, probably won't help much. Sadly, the Astros offseason carries far more intrigue than anything taking place on the field for them this postseason.

Various outlets, including ESPN and, report the Yankees and Cole have agreed on a nine-year deal valued at roughly $324 million. The deal comes a day after the Washington Nationals announced another Boras-negotiated contract for 2019 World Series Most Valuable Player Stephen Strasburg a seven-year deal valued at $245 million. Rounding out the remaining pitchers with an AAV of $30 million or more is Astros pitcher Justin Verlander ($33 million), Boston Red Sox lefty David Price ($31 million), Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw ($31 million), and Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer ($30 million). Once official, Cole's contract will be the fourth largest deal in MLB history behind Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton ($325 million), Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper ($330 million), and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout ($426.5 million). Padres third baseman Manny Machado is the only other player with a contract valued at $300 million or more.

Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesHOUSTON - Three Astros players were recognized on Thursday when Louisville Sluggers announced the 2019 Silver Slugger Award winners, which honors the top offensive players at each position in each league. Third baseman Alex Bregman and outfielder George Springer both received their Silver Slugger Awards as Astros. Right-handed pitcher Zack Greinke, who team traded for during the season to bolster the Astros' pitching rotation, took him his second Silver Slugger Award for his time with the Diamondbacks. There is no Silver Slugger Award in the American League because pitchers do not take at-bats. Springer hit .292 this season while coming through with 39 homers, 96 RBI and 20 doubles to win his second Silver Slugger Award.

Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesHOUSTON - Three Astros players were recognized on Thursday when Louisville Sluggers announced the 2019 Silver Slugger Award winners, which honors the top offensive players at each position in each league. Third baseman Alex Bregman and outfielder George Springer both received their Silver Slugger Awards as Astros. Right-handed pitcher Zack Greinke, who team traded for during the season to bolster the Astros' pitching rotation, took him his second Silver Slugger Award for his time with the Diamondbacks. There is no Silver Slugger Award in the American League because pitchers do not take at-bats. Springer hit .292 this season while coming through with 39 homers, 96 RBI and 20 doubles to win his second Silver Slugger Award.

The Astros defensive prowess this season was recognized when the 2019 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Awards were given out on Wednesday, with the team and pitcher Zack Greinke garnering awards. The Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Awards honor the top defensive player in MLB at every position. Greinke, the veteran righthander won Defensive Pitcher of the Year for the second year in a row and for the third time in four years. Then the Astros were named Defensive Team of the Year for the first time on the strength of outstanding play from players like shortstop Carlos Correa, third baseman Alex Bregman, outfielders Jake Marisnick and George Springer and then Greinke on the mound. Greinke also took home his sixth Golden Glove on Sunday.

The Astros defensive prowess this season was recognized when the 2019 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Awards were given out on Wednesday, with the team and pitcher Zack Greinke garnering awards. The Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Awards honor the top defensive player in MLB at every position. Greinke, the veteran righthander won Defensive Pitcher of the Year for the second year in a row and for the third time in four years. Then the Astros were named Defensive Team of the Year for the first time on the strength of outstanding play from players like shortstop Carlos Correa, third baseman Alex Bregman, outfielders Jake Marisnick and George Springer and then Greinke on the mound. Greinke also took home his sixth Golden Glove on Sunday.

This ad was in todays Houston Chronicle. Thank you Nats fans and congratulations. #Astros pic.twitter.com/EFjAUEUjVb Jack Belcher (@JackBelcher1) November 3, 2019WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTRK) -- During this postseason so far, some Astros fans found out not everyone loves Houston, especially die-hard Yankees fans in New York.In one instance, a Yankees fan was reportedly removed after taunting Astros pitcher Zack Greinke during the American League Championship Series.Other Astros fans said they were heckled during Game 5 of the ALCS by some overly aggressive Yankees fans, but are holding no grudges.But thankfully, it appears Astros fans had some kinder encounters in Washington, D.C. as the Astros played the Nationals. In fact, in the ultimate show of sportsmanship, one Astros fan thanked Nats' fans for their hospitality.The fan, who remained anonymous, took out a quarter page ad in the Washington Post Monday called "An open letter to Nats fans. "Thanks for keeping it classy, D.C.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Even though the World Series didn't go the Astros' way, Pitcher Zack Greinke received a big honor Sunday night.Rawlings Sporting Goods Company announced that Greinke has won a National League Rawlings Gold Glove Award.The announcement was made on ESPN's "Baseball Tonight. "While Greinke is a member of the Astros organization, he officially wins the award as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to a statement released by the Astros.Greinke was traded by Arizona to Houston in July 2019.Alex Bregman, Yuli Gurriel, Jose Altuve, and Josh Reddick were all finalists for the American League version of the award.Altuve won a Gold Glove in 2015 and Reddick was honored with one in 2012 when he played for Oakland.The Rawlings Gold Glove Award was created in 1957 and serves as the highest symbol of defensive excellence in Major League Baseball, according to a statement.

After Greinke allowed a homer to Anthony Rendon and walked Juan Soto, Hinch handed a 2-1 lead to Harris in the seventh inning of World Series Game 7. Greinke, the 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner who joined the Astros from Arizona at the trade deadline, had looked strong all night. Hinch could have turned to Cole, a Cy Young Award contender who won Game 5 on Sunday. "I wasn't going to pitch him unless we were going to win the World Series and have a lead," Hinch said. "I think I made a pretty good pitch," Harris said.

EMBED >More News Videos Gerrit Cole is an overpowering force for the Houston Astros, using more than just his baseball skill to help his team. Hinch.Zack Greinke started for Houston, Cole watched from the bullpen, and Will Harris was warming up.What came next, Hinch will contemplate for years. Hinch could have turned to Cole, a Cy Young Award contender who won Game 5 on Sunday . "I wasn't going to pitch him unless we were going to win the World Series and have a lead," Hinch said. "But whatever the outcome, he did have some kind words for the city of Houston when asked about his tenure with Houston.

EMBED >More News Videos Gerrit Cole is an overpowering force for the Houston Astros, using more than just his baseball skill to help his team. EMBED >More News Videos Astros' Gerrit Cole finally joins social mediaEMBED >More News Videos Astros introduce newest pitching ace Gerrit ColeHOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After a heartbreaking loss for the Houston Astros in Game 7 of the World Series Wednesday night, one question that appears to be lingering is why pitcher Gerrit Cole wasn't out there on the mound.He was one of the options available to Astros manager A.J. Hinch.Zack Greinke started for Houston, Cole watched from the bullpen, and Will Harris was warming up.What came next, Hinch will contemplate for years. Hinch could have turned to Cole, a Cy Young Award contender who won Game 5 on Sunday . "We just went over the game plan and he laid out the most advantageous times to use me," Cole said.

EMBED >More News Videos Gerrit Cole is an overpowering force for the Houston Astros, using more than just his baseball skill to help his team. EMBED >More News Videos Astros' Gerrit Cole finally joins social mediaEMBED >More News Videos Astros introduce newest pitching ace Gerrit ColeHOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After a heartbreaking loss for the Houston Astros in Game 7 of the World Series Wednesday night, one question that appears to be lingering is why pitcher Gerrit Cole wasn't out there on the mound.He was one of the options available to Astros manager A.J. Hinch.Zack Greinke started for Houston, Cole watched from the bullpen, and Will Harris was warming up.What came next, Hinch will contemplate for years. Hinch could have turned to Cole, a Cy Young Award contender who won Game 5 on Sunday . "I wasn't going to pitch him unless we were going to win the World Series and have a lead," Hinch said.

The Astros fell 6-2 in game seven of the World Series. For now, the Astros head into the postseason short of their ultimate goal. HinchThe questioning of Hinch and his choices with pitching in game seven will linger for quite a while. Home Field AdvantageFor the first time in sports history, the road team won every single game of a seven-game series. They left another nine on base with plenty of guys at second and third throughout game seven that they could not get across the plate.

None of the arms called to come out of the bullpen belonged to Gerrit Cole. He bristled at the initial question regarding why Cole was in the bullpen seemingly getting loose to enter the game when he was asked was Cole available. When asked why he went with other pitchers rather than Cole, Hinch said he was going to use Cole to close the game. Hinch basically said he was only putting Cole into the game if the Astros had the lead and he could go get the outs needed to close out the game. After the game, Astros catcher Robinson Chirinos told reporters, I thought he (Cole) was going to have a chance to pitch tonight.

Zack Greinke looks on prior to Game 7 of the 2019 World Series against the Washington Nationals at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019, in Houston. The champagne was chilling and the sellout crowd of 43,326 was ready to party and celebrate Houstons second World Series title. All was good, but then the wheels came off quickly as the Nationals erased a 2-0 Astros lead. The Nationals bullpen seals the deal and ends the Astros seasonShellshocked by the Nationals comeback, the Astros bats went silent down the stretch. The season ended on a Brantley strikeout and the World Series was officially over.

Yuli Gurriel gives the Astros a 1-0 lead with a 2nd-inning HR - the team that scores 1st is 25-14 in winner-take-all World Series games. Gurriel is the 3rd player born in Cuba with a HR in a winner-take-all World Series game, joining Tony Prez (1975) and Bert Campaneris (1973). pic.twitter.com/In8iWtXLIo ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 31, 2019EMBED >More News Videos Quick facts on Astros star Alex Bregman. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Astros and Washington Nationals completed a World Series that became the first championship final in the major North American sports in which every game was won by the road team. Scoreless after one.Despite 21-year-old Juan Soto connecting on a hit, Greinke retired the numbers four, five and six hitters of the Nationals order.

Yuli Gurriel gives the Astros a 1-0 lead with a 2nd-inning HR - the team that scores 1st is 25-14 in winner-take-all World Series games. Gurriel is the 3rd player born in Cuba with a HR in a winner-take-all World Series game, joining Tony Prez (1975) and Bert Campaneris (1973). pic.twitter.com/In8iWtXLIo ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 31, 2019EMBED >More News Videos Quick facts on Astros star Alex Bregman. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Astros have one last chance at winning their second world championship in three season in Game 7 of the World Series against the Washington Nationals, who are going for the first title in their history. He got another one-two-three inning.Patrick Corbin relieved Max Scherzer to begin the Astros' home half.

Yuli Gurriel gives the Astros a 1-0 lead with a 2nd-inning HR - the team that scores 1st is 25-14 in winner-take-all World Series games. Gurriel is the 3rd player born in Cuba with a HR in a winner-take-all World Series game, joining Tony Prez (1975) and Bert Campaneris (1973). pic.twitter.com/In8iWtXLIo ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 31, 2019EMBED >More News Videos Houston Astros slugger Jose Altuve got a good luck gift from his friend, Houston Texan J.J. Watt, on the eve of a potential World Series title clincher. EMBED >More News Videos This is where some of your favorite Houston Astros players were spotted, and why Josh Reddick is just like us. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Astros have one last chance at taking it back in Game 7 of the World Series against the Washington Nationals.

EMBED >More News Videos Astros fans try to guess between Verlander and Greinke. "I just bought $400 worth of tickets when I usually buy $100 tickets. I'm excited," said Astros fan Ney Oldham.Overpaying is what Kayla Ramsey of Midtown Premium Sports Tickets says you'll probably be doing if you want to see Greinke's first Astros start. We were robbed in '86 by the Mets and the umpires. This time, ain't nobody going to beat us," Oldham said.

EMBED >More News Videos Houston Astros slugger Jose Altuve got a good luck gift from his friend, Houston Texan J.J. Watt, on the eve of a potential World Series title clincher. EMBED >More News Videos This is where some of your favorite Houston Astros players were spotted, and why Josh Reddick is just like us. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Astros have one last chance at taking it back in Game 7 of the World Series against the Washington Nationals. Here's the inning by inning highlights in descending order:Despite 21-year-old Juan Soto connecting on a hit, Greinke retired the numbers four, five and six hitters of the Nationals order. Or the solidification of the Astros as a bonified dynasty with more titles to come.

Houston - We have waited patiently all day for tonight's Game 7 between the Astros and Nationals. The Astros need to set the tone and attack Scherzer early and strike first in the opening inning. I trust the bullpen but Greinke needs to deliver. They need to play relaxed just like they did in game six that produced a win and evened this World Series at three games a piece. They need Trea Turner to produce in the leadoff spot and rely on guys like Rendon, Soto, and Zimmerman to get after Greinke early in the game.

Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros celebrates as he rounds the bases on his two-run home run against the Washington Nationals during the 4th inning in Game 5 of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park on Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington, DC. (CNN) - You could almost say the Washington Nationals have the Houston Astros right where they want them. The National League champs have perennial all-star pitcher Max Scherzer starting the deciding World Series contest and Wednesday night's Game 7 is for the Nationals a road contest. And the road team winning the World Series decider is a recent trend; the past five events were won on the road. The Nationals won when they scored 10 runs in the final three innings.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- If you want to go to Game 7 of the World Series without breaking the bank, your airline miles can get you there.According to United Airlines, they have opened up to MileagePlus auctions for customers to bid their miles for a chance to watch the Astros against the Nationals in a winner-take-all battle.The seats up for auction are two mezzanine seats and two suite seats Fans will need to hurry to place their bids. The auctions will run until 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. but keep checking the website, as it may be extended due to popcorn bidding.The game is set for 7:08 p.m., with Astros pitcher Zack Greinke taking the mound.

A matchup devoid of late-inning drama that's threatening to set a record low for television ratings has suddenly turned into must-see TV. "Maybe not how we drew it up in terms of how we got there, but it doesn't take away the opportunity we have to win the World Series," Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch said. The Nationals rallied to extend the only World Series where the road team has taken the six first games. Greinke gave up one run over 4 2/3 innings in his first World Series start when the Astros took Game 3. "For the people that followed this team the whole season, it had to be this way," Nationals reliever Sean Doolittle said.

The Washington Nationals came back Wednesday night from being down two runs for most of the game to win 6-2 and become World Champions. It's the first World Series win in the history of the Nationals' franchise. Stephen Strasburg, Patrick Corbin and the Nats brought the first World Series championship to the nation's capital since ol' Walter Johnson delivered the crown for the Senators in 1924. So close to seeing the Astros win their second crown in three years, they watched their chance suddenly vanish as Houston fell apart. This World Series had lacked a lot of drama, aside from a volatile call of interference in Washington's Game 6 win that stoked heated debate across the sports world.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTRK) -- During this postseason so far, some Astros fans found out not everyone loves Houston, especially die-hard Yankees fans in New York.In one instance, a Yankees fan was reportedly removed after taunting Astros pitcher Zack Greinke during the American League Championship Series.Other Astros fans said they were heckled during Game 5 of the ALCS by some overly aggressive Yankees fans, but are holding no grudges.But thankfully, it appears Astros fans had some kinder encounters in Washington, D.C. as the Astros play the Nationals.In fact, in the ultimate show of sportsmanship, one Astros fan thanked Nats' fans for their hospitality.The fan, who remained anonymous, took out a quarter page ad in the Washington Post Monday called "An open letter to Nats fans. "The letter said, "whether in restaurants, on the way to the game, or at our seats, Nats fans have been nothing but thoroughly friendly, engaging and welcoming" to the Astros fan and their family who traveled to D.C. for the series.Even when wearing Astros gear, the fan said he or she never saw the kind of vitriol seen in other cities.Thanks for it keeping it classy, D.C.

The momentum is now clearly in the Astros' corner as they come home with a chance to clinch the World Series in front of the home fans Tuesday night. Here are the top keys to the Astros turnaround:PITCHING TOOK DOWN THE NATSAfter the Nationals beat both Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander in games 1 and 2, the Astros showed their depth. The story of the weekend, though, was 24-year-old Jose Urquidy stepping up and delivering five solid innings holding the Nationals lineup in check in his World Series debut. OFFENSE IMPROVEDThe Astros went from ice cold in games 1 and 2 to red hot by Sunday night. Verlander will be looking for his first career World Series win.

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.

Houston's win pulled the Astros to within 2-1 in the series with Game 4 Saturday night at Nationals Park and now a definitive Game 5 Sunday night also at Nationals Park. WHAT DID WE LEARN FROM THE ASTROS GAME 3 WINGREINKE WASN'T GREAT BUT WAS GOOD ENOUGHZack Greinke got the start and benefited from early run support. They knew down deep and admitted so Friday night after the win that they had to win to keep their season alive. The Astros are baseball's best team and are mentally strong in all phases of their game. Sunday in Game 5 now ensures a rematch from Game 1 with Gerrit Cole and Max Scherzer on the mound once again.

Getty ImagesHOUSTON - Before the World Series, Zack Greinke would have been at a huge on-paper advantage over Anibal Sanchez. Sanchez started Game 3 for the Nationals coming off 7.2 scoreless innings against the Cardinals. After two shocking wins in Houston, the Nationals held a giant series advantage with a hot pitcher as the #3 starter. Here's a look at how each starter set their team up in a 4-1 Astros win. ASTROS Zack Greinke4.2 IP 7 H 1 R 1 ER 3 BB 6 KGreinke labored through 95 high-leverage pitches, giving up seven hits.

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.

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 25: Zack Greinke #21 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning in Game Three of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park on October 25, 2019 in Washington, DC.Before the World Series, Zack Greinke would have been at a huge on-paper advantage over Anibal Sanchez. Sanchez started Game 3 for the Nationals coming off 7.2 scoreless innings against the Cardinals. After two shocking wins in Houston, the Nationals held a giant series advantage with a hot pitcher as the #3 starter. ASTROS Zack Greinke4.2 IP 7 H 1 R 1 ER 3 BB 6 KGreinke labored through 95 high-leverage pitches, giving up 7 hits. Greinke pitched with baserunners in scoring position in every inning, but still managed to give up just 1 run.

EMBED >More News Videos ABC13 coverage of the Rockets championship in 1994. 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. He shut out the Nationals in their ballpark on June 13 when he was with Arizona.You also can't ignore Greinke's acumen at the plate. Unfortunately for the Astros, there may not be a tomorrow after that. Game 5 on Sunday is only necessary if Houston can win at least one matchup between Friday and Saturday.

For the record, I hate this rule in the World Series, where I believe DH should be in effect the entire series. Greinke and Chirinos need a great game and one that sees Greinke go at least five to six innings. Altuve has been lights out as usual in the World Series, with solid work in the box from Michael Brantley. Those are a few keys to an Astros win. Stay tuned to KPRC Channel 2 and to our great digital coverage on Click2Houston.com for all of your expanded Astros World Series coverage.

TOP 5 KEYS FOR THE ASTROS TO WIN GAME 3GRIENKE NEEDS TO PITCH DEEPZack Greinke was acquired for moments like he will face tonight and the pressure that goes with postseason baseball. For the record, I hate this rule in the World Series where I believe DH should be in effect the entire series. Altuve has been lights out as usual in the World Series with solid work in the box from Michael Brantley. Those are a few keys to an Astros win. Stay tuned to KPRC Channel 2 and to our great digital coverage on Click2Houston.com for all of your expanded Astros World Series coverage!

STARTING PITCHERSGerrit Cole*Justin VerlanderZack Greinke*RELIEF PITCHERSChris DevenskiWill HarrisJosh James*Roberto Osuna*Brad PeacockRyan Pressly*Hector RondonJoe Smith*Jose Urquidy*CATCHERSRobinson Chirinos*Martin Maldonado*INFIELDERSJose AltuveAlex BregmanCarlos CorreaAledmys Diaz*Yuli GurrielOUTFIELDERSYordan Alvarez*Michael Brantley*Jake Marisnick*Josh ReddickGeorge SpringerKyle Tucker*EMBED >More News Videos As the 'Stros head into the 2019 World Series, we asked some of them if they had any rituals or superstitions before the game. EMBED >More News Videos With Houston facing Washington in the World Series, we asked some of the 'Stros who on the team would be the best president and vice president. EMBED >More News Videos Gerrit Cole is an overpowering force for the Houston Astros, using more than just his baseball skill to help his team. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Go with what got you to the dance, right?Hours before the first pitch of the 2019 World Series, the Houston Astros released a roster they hope will get them another championship.The roster includes 12 pitchers, two catchers, five infielders and six outfielders. The entire pitching staff is comprised of right-handers.The Astros opted for continuity in their roster, using much of the same lineup from their AL Championship Series team for their matchup with the Washington Nationals.Like the previous series this postseason, the Astros decided to keep Wade Miley, a starter for much of the regular season, off the World Series team.In addition, there will be a number of players making their World Series debut on Tuesday night.Here is the Houston Astros roster for the 2019 World Series: