Washington Nationals’ leadoff man Trea Turner walked to start Game 2 of the World Series, taking a free pass from Justin Verlander in front of Adam Eaton, who singled, and Anthony Rendon, who hit a two-run double to drive in the eighth and ninth runs the Houston Astros’ starter has allowed in the first inning so far in his five postseason starts.
Verlander has given up 14 runs total in 30 1⁄3 IP (4.15 ERA) in October, and during the regular season, the 36-year-old, 15-year veteran allowed more first inning runs (13 total in 34 starts) than in any other inning, so if the Nationals want to get to the Astros’ righty again tonight, in his second start in the 2019 Fall Classic, they might want to jump on him early.