By Alex D. Williams
For the first time in franchise history, the Washington Nationals are World Series Champions.
The Washington Nationals (Nats) defeated the Houston Astros, 6-2, in Game 7 of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 30. The Nationals became the first major league team in Washington, D.C. to win the World Series since the Senators in 1924.
The Nats found themselves in a 19-31 hole this season. With the help of players Anthony Rendon, Juan Soto, Howie Kendrick, and Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals were able to turn their season around. Strasburg, 2019 World Series MVP, contributed tremendously to the team’s victory with his fast-break pitches. He recorded an astounding 251 strikeouts, 24 home runs, 161 hits, while only pitching in 209 innings this season.
Another key asset to this Nationals win was outfielder Juan Soto. Soto, who just turned twenty-one during Game 3 of the World Series, recorded 34 homers, 110 RBI’s, and had a batting average of .282 during the 2019 MLB season. His youthfulness and high-spirited nature added that extra spark that the team needed to claim that World Series title for the first time. He also had a key home run in the top of the fifth inning that gave the Nats a 3-2 lead over the Houston Astros in Game 6. From his happy dances and home run celebrations to having over three key home runs in the World Series, Soto rose to the occasion and helped advance his team to victory very early in his career.
In comparison to other teams in the MLB, the Nationals are a primarily older team with seven players on the roster over the age of twenty-seven. Thus, the combination of wisdom from players such as first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (35) and outfielder Adam Eaton (30), along with the youthfulness from center-fielder Victor Robles (22) and left-fielder Juan Soto(21), lifted this team as a whole. Back in the District, fans were able to enjoy yet another championship win this year from a Washington, D.C. team.
