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Nationals beat Astros, spring biggest World Series upset in 29 years

The Washington Nationals sprung a huge upset in the 2019 World Series. We break down the history.

Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals hoists the Commissioners Trophy after defeating the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game Seven to win the 2019 World Series in Game Seven of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images

What a finish! The Washington Nationals came from behind in Game 7 to beat the Houston Astros 6-2 and claim the first World Series title in franchise history, and the first Washington, D.C. World Series since 1924.

The Nationals trailed 2-0 heading into the seventh and couldn’t seem to get anything going. Their bats finally broke open to take the lead. Anthony Rendon hit a solo home run and then Howie Kendrick hit a two-run homer off the right field foul pole to give the Nationals the lead. They added three more runs in the final two innings and a combination of Patrick Corbin and Daniel Hudson shut down Houston for the victory.

It was a wild finish, and fitting given the size of the upset. The Nationals were +195 to win the World Series over Houston, which marked the longest odds by a champion since the Cincinnati Reds beat the Oakland Athletics in 1990 as a +260 underdog (h/t Action Network). Since that Reds series, other big upsets included the Florida Marlins (+190) over the New York Yankees in 2003 and the Kansas City Royals (+180) over the St. Louis Cardinals in 1985.

Big congrats to the World Series champions!