Houston @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 25, 2019 ) Houston 4, Washington 1

The Houston Astros got back in the World Series with a Game 3 victory and now look to knot the best-of-seven Fall Classic at 2-2 when they visit the Washington Nationals in Game 4 on Saturday. Jose Altuve doubled twice and scored both times on Michael Brantley singles as Houston notched a 4-1 win to halt Washington's eight-game postseason winning streak.

Robinson Chirinos added a solo homer for the Astros, who avoided the dreaded 3-0 hole with a solid all-around performance that alleviated some pressure. "We had something happen in Houston that doesn't happen very often, a team came in and beat us back-to-back against two of our big boys," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said in a postgame television interview, referencing pitchers Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander. "Coming into a new venue in an unbelievable environment and getting back into this series will put a little bit of momentum into our clubhouse and our dugout and it will go a long way." Washington's bats went quiet in the clutch as the club went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position and stranded 12 for the game. Yan Gomes will be behind the plate in Game 4 as Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Kurt Suzuki suffered a hip flexor during Game 3 and may need to undergo an MRI exam to determine the severity.

TV: 8:07 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Jose Urquidy (0-0, 2.08 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Patrick Corbin (1-2, 6.91)

Houston manager A.J. Hinch said after Game 3 that Urquidy will be the starter and will go as far as he can before turning it over to the bullpen. The 24-year-old is well-rested as he last pitched Oct. 19, a night in which he struck out five in 2 2/3 innings of relief and gave up one run and three hits against the New York Yankees in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. Urquidy's only other appearance this postseason was Oct. 8 against the Tampa Bay Rays when he pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings in Game 4 of the AL Division Series.

Corbin has been used out of the bullpen four times this postseason and his third playoff start rates as the biggest of his career. "I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to go out there and help us win a ball game," Corbin said at his press conference. "This is what you prepare for all offseason, to pitch in these games and just to have the opportunity to go out there, give it my best." Corbin struck out two and gave up one hit in an inning of relief in Game 2.

WALK-OFFS

1. Altuve is 6-for-15 in the World Series and has seven multi-hit games this postseason.

2. Washington LF Juan Soto was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and a walk in Game 3 after going 4-for-7 with a homer, two doubles, three RBIs, three runs scored, two walks and a stolen base in the first two contests.

3. Houston 3B Alex Bregman was hitless in five at-bats in Game 3 and is 1-for-13 (home run) in the World Series.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Nationals 4