WASHINGTON — A frustrating Game 3 was followed up by a depressing Game 4 in D.C., with the Nationals failing to get big hits and an Astros grand slam blowing things open in the seventh.
It was one of those games that somehow ended in a blowout but felt like with just a few of the right breaks, it could've gone Washington's way.
They didn't, and it didn't, though, and now the series is tied 2-2. This series will not end in D.C.
But, look, let's end on a positive note: #StayInTheFight means #StayInTheFight, and the Nats still have a chance on Sunday to bring a 3-2 lead back to Houston, and they'll have Max Scherzer on the mound.
You gotta like their chances, all things considered.
End of the ninth
Nats go down in the ninth against Houston's Chris Devenski, and it's an 8-1 final.
Middle of the ninth
There won't be a ninth run for the Astros, not on Juan Soto's watch.
A Jake Marisnick single looked like it was going to bring in Robinson Chirinos, but Soto threw him out at home.
It may not be a real game-saver, but it was a sweet throw nonetheless.
End of the eighth
Washington puts two on base with one out, but Howie Kendrick strikes out and Ryan Zimmerman flies out.
After going 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position in Game 3, they're now 1-for-9 in Game 4.
Middle of the eighth
A couple more hits for Houston, but no more runs.
End of the seventh
Just not the Nats' night, is it?
With two men on, Trea Turner poked one down the first base line and it looked like he could turn it into an infield single. Instead, Houston first baseman Yuli Gurriel made a nice play on it and beat a diving Turner to the bag, ending the inning.
Middle of the seventh
Tanner Rainey is the new pitcher in, and he's put both men he's faced on base.
An out and then a single brings up the bases loaded with one out.
Fernando Rodney replaced Rainey, and immediately served up a grand slam to Alex Bregman.
8-1 Houston.
Wander Suero came in and helped avoid further damage with the bases loaded again.
End of the sixth
Nats load the bases, and Juan Soto rolls over one to first to bring in a run.
They're on the board! 4-1.
That's all, though, as Howie Kendrick strikes out to end the inning.
Middle of the sixth
It was another clean 1-2-3 inning for Corbin.
The real highlight of the last couple innings, however, was the standing moment of silence for the organization Stand Up To Cancer.
End of the fifth
Still nothing going for Washington at the plate. But here's a look at that defensive gem by Victor Robles in the top half of the fifth.
Middle of the fifth
Corbin cruises through the fifth. Now would be a good time for some hits.
End of the fourth
Anthony Rendon and Howie Kendrick both put nice swings on the ball that inning, but Nats come away with nothing to show for it.
But you know what they say, #StayInTheFight.
Middle of the fourth
Robinson Chirinos hits his second home runs in as many nights, a two-run shot. 4-0 Astros.
End of the third
A double by Yan Gomes gave Washington some hope for a run, but in an unfortunate echo of Game 3 they weren't able to bring him around.
Still 2-0 Astros after three.
Middle of the third
Another mostly calm inning for Corbin, highlighted by a Gold Glove-worthy play by Anthony Rendon at third to steal a hit from Jose Altuve, will bring up the Nats in the third.
End of the second
Nats go down 1-2-3. Having trouble touching Astros rookie Jose Urquidy, who remarkably in Game 4 of the World Series is making his eighth career start.
Middle of the second
Corbin settles down for a 1-2-3 second!
And here's some cool context on Rendon's first-inning hit from WUSA9 Sports Director Darren Haynes:
End of the first
Anthony Rendon knocks the first Nats hit of the game, but nothing else going for Washington.
In lighter news, here's Adam Eaton's awesome entrance onto the field before things started:
Middle of the first
Corbin starts with a K!
....then three straight hits makes it 1-0 Astros.
....then an infield hit makes it four straight, and makes it 2-0 Astros.
And then Corbin gets out of a bases-loaded situation with a double play. Not the ideal start, but not the disaster it could have been.
Pregame
Here are some of the views folks are sharing from inside Nationals Park before Game 4, including WUSA9 Sports Director Darren Haynes!
The U.S. Army Brass Quintet just performed the national anthem, one of the classiest and most patriotic performances you'll ever see.
Here's the Nats lineup for Game 4:
And here's a look at one of the signs from inside the park, courtesy WUSA9 Sports Director Darren Haynes: