Five Years Later: The Astros and Nationals Face Off in a Long-Anticipated Reunion Matchup

The Houston Astros had a remarkable year in 2019, winning 107 games and finishing with the best record in baseball. They entered the postseason as the No. 1 seed in the American League and faced the Tampa Bay Rays in the Division Series, ultimately winning three games to two. In the ALCS, they defeated the New York Yankees 4-2 after dropping the first game of the series.

Their opponent in the World Series, the Washington Nationals, emerged as the National League champions, setting up what looked to be a promising matchup for the Astros. However, tragedy struck when Washington won Game 7 on their home field, leaving Houston heartbroken and without a championship title.

Five years have passed since that fateful day, and now both teams will meet again on July 4th weekend at Nationals Park. The Nationals are commemorating their 2019 World Series victory with a five-year anniversary celebration that coincides with their series against the Astros. Washington will have special events planned throughout the weekend, including night fireworks set to “2019 World Champion Music” on Friday and pre-game ceremonies honoring their championship team members on Saturday.

Justin Verlander is one of seven active Astros players who were part of their World Series loss in 2019. He will make his season debut against Washington on Friday and hopes to lead his team to victory once again against his former teammates.