Alvarez homer starts off scoring in Game 5 (Nats fall 7-1)

The Astros struck first in Game 5 of the World Series off Nationals starter Joe Ross.

With one out in the second, Yuri Gurriel reached base thanks to an infield single that glanced off of Ross. Yordan Alvarez, making his first start in the series in the field, belted a two-run homer to left-center field.

The Nats started the second inning in promising fashion with singles from Juan Soto and Howie Kendrick. But right-hander Gerrit Cole struck out Ryan Zimmerman and Victor Robles grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the chance quickly.

Cole set the Nats down quietly in the first and third frames with 1-2-3 innings. He has three strikeouts in three innings.

After three innings, the Astros lead the Nats 2-0.

Update II: The Astros added to their lead in the fourth and the rally involved Alvarez. With two outs and a second baseman shift into shallow right field, the 22-year-old left fielder still was able to line a single into the right field corner. Carlos Correa then battled Ross for seven pitches, eventually lining a 2-2 slider over the left field wall for his third homer of the postseason.

Mid-fourth, the Astros lead the Nats 4-0.

Update III: Ross finished five innings, allowing four runs on five hits with two walks, one wild pitch and one strikeout. The right-hander threw 78 pitches, 48 for strikes.

Mid-sixth, the Astros led the Nats 4-0.

Update IV: Juan Soto crushed a solo homer off of Cole in the bottom of the seventh. It was his fourth homer of the postseason. The Astros answered back with an RBI single from Yuri Gurriel off of Daniel Hudson in the top of the eighth.

Mid-eighth, the Astros lead the Nats 5-1.

Update V: In the ninth, George Springer hit a two-run shot off Daniel Hudson. It was his fourth homer of postseason.

Mid-ninth, the Astros lead the Nats 7-1.

Update VI: Anthony Rendon lined out to right field in the bottom of the ninth against Astros reliever Ryan Pressly. Soto struck out. Kendrick grounded out to third base to end the game.

Final score: Astros 7, Nats 1.

The Astros lead the best-of-seven World Series three games to two.