World Series Game 1 lineups: Nats at Astros

HOUSTON - The Nationals are playing in the World Series tonight. Yes, that's a true statement. What seemed elusive for so long is reality. At 8:08 p.m. Eastern time, Trea Turner will step into the batter's box and face Gerrit Cole, at which point the 115th Fall Classic will be underway and Washington baseball history will forever be changed.

We've had nearly a week to rehash what happened in the National League Championship Series and preview what could happen in this World Series. None of that matters anymore. Everything from this point on takes place on the field.

The Nationals lineup is pretty much what we expected it would be. With Howie Kendrick serving as designated hitter in the American League park, it's Asdrúbal Cabrera at second base and batting sixth. Cabrera, who drove in 40 runs in 38 games with the Nats, was selected over Brian Dozier, who would've represented a defensive upgrade. Given how tough it's expected to be to score runs tonight against Cole, there is some logic in fielding the best offensive lineup possible. That's what manager Davey Martinez has done.

The Astros have three left-handed bats in their lineup against Max Scherzer (Michael Brantley, Yordan Alvarez, Josh Reddick) and they are spread out around the order. The righties are plenty potent, though, and Scherzer will have his work cut out for him tonight.

This is, of course, only Game 1 of a best-of-seven series. The pressure is a bit diminished for this one, given how much baseball there is still left to play. But that doesn't mean these players won't be experiencing a few butterflies as they're introduced before the game and as they take the field, most of them for the first time in a World Series. Here's hoping they - and all of you - savor the experience.

WORLD SERIES - GAME 1
WASHINGTON NATIONALS at HOUSTON ASTROS
Where: Minute Maid Park
Gametime: 8:08 p.m. EDT
TV: FOX
Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, MLB.com
Weather: Indoors

NATIONALS
SS Trea Turner
RF Adam Eaton
3B Anthony Rendon
LF Juan Soto
DH Howie Kendrick
2B Asdrúbal Cabrera
1B Ryan Zimmerman
C Kurt Suzuki
CF Victor Robles

RHP Max Scherzer

ASTROS
CF George Springer
2B Jose Altuve
LF Michael Brantley
3B Alex Bregman
1B Yuli Gurriel
SS Carlos Correa
DH Yordan Alvarez
C Martín Maldonado
RF Josh Reddick

RHP Gerrit Cole