Max Scherzer will start the World Series opener for the Washington Nationals against the Astros‘ Gerrit Cole in Houston on Tuesday night.
Scherzer is undefeated in three starts (2-0) and has a 1.80 ERA with 27 strikeouts in this postseason. Over 15 innings in his last two starts, Scherzer has not allowed a run.
It is a matchup of aces, as Cole is 3-0 with a 0.40 ERA and 32 strikeouts in the postseason.
Stephen Strasburg will start Game 2 on Wednesday for Washington against Justin Verlander.
Nationals manager Dave Martinez says he has not decided how he will order Patrick Corbin and Anibal Sanchez for Games 3 and 4.
Asked whether Corbin could pitch in relief in the first two games, Martinez smiled and playfully said: “We shall see.”
Zack Greinke starts Game 3 for the Astros when the action shifts to Nationals Park on Friday.
Houston manager AJ Hinch says he likely will use a combination of relievers for the fourth game.
Howie Kendrick will be the Nationals’ designated hitter in the opener.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.