HOUSTON — It’s not a surprise, but it is now official. The Washington Nationals will see Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke in that order in the World Series.
Cole is on a roll for Houston. In the postseason, he’s given up only ten hits and 1 run in three starts, while striking out 32 batters. Verlander has pitched in four games with a 3.70 ERA, which is a little higher than his regular season ERA of 2.58. Greinke has pitched in three games for the Astros, with his best performance being his last against New York, where he pitched 4 1/3 inning, only giving up one run, in a key Astros win.
There’s more to look forward to in Game 1. The Astros have announced that a member of Houston’s 2017 World Series-winning team, Brian McCann, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. And he’ll be throwing it to his teammate that year, Evan Gattis.
And what’s a big event in Houston without J.J. Watt? The Texans star will give the ‘Play Ball’ call.
Singing the national anthem will be Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Nicole Scherzinger. God Bless American will be sung by USMC Staff Sergeant Doug Rader.
Then for Game 2 on Wednesday night, Houston's shining star Simone Biles will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Olympic champion and Houston native Marlen Esparza will call 'Play Ball.' Airman First Class Leah Fox of the USAF will perform the National Anthem.