- The Washington Times - Sunday, October 27, 2019

The Nationals’ chance for a feel-good story got off to a rough start.

In the second inning of Sunday’s Game 5, emergency starter Joe Ross gave up a two-run homer to left fielder Yordan Álvarez and the Houston Astros took a 2-0 lead. 

Ross, who is pitching after Max Scherzer was surprisingly announced out with a neck injury, fell behind in the count and threw a slider in the corner of the zone, which Alvarez crushed deep to center field. 



Before Alvarez, Ross gave up his first hit of the game to Yuriel Gurriel on a single in the second. 

Ross got out of the inning, however.

This is the third game in a row in which the Nationals have fallen behind. They lost each previous time.

Contact the author

Copyright © 2026 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.

Story Topics

Please read our comment policy before commenting.