Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The Washington Nationals remained in full control of the World Series with a 12-3 win over the Houston Astros to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The Nationals were locked in a 2-2 tie throughout the game but exploded for 10 runs in the last three innings to secure a victory in Game 2 at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
Washington opened the game with two runs in the first after third baseman Anthony Rendon doubled home Adam Eaton and Trea Turner. Astros slugger Alex Bregman answered with a two-run home run in the bottom of the inning to tie the game at two runs apiece.
Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg battled Astros ace Justin Verlander for six innings until Kurt Suzuki broke open the game in the seventh. The veteran catcher blasted a solo homer in what turned into a six-run inning following three walks, three singles and multiple defensive lapses by the Astros.
The Nationals added three more runs in the top of the eighth on a two-run homer by Eaton and an RBI single from Asdrubal Cabrera. Michael Taylor belted a solo shot to left field in the ninth to boost the Astros' lead to 12-2.
Houston scored one run in the final inning on a solo home run by Martin Maldonado.
Strasburg allowed two earned runs on seven hits in six innings against the Astros. He struck out seven and walked one. Verlander gave up four earned runs on seven hits, striking out six and walking three.
Game 3 is scheduled for Friday night when Anibal Sanchez takes the mound against the Astros' Zack Greinke in the first World Series game in the nation's capital since 1933.
2019 World Series: Astros vs. Nationals
Washington Nationals players celebrate after defeating the Houston Astros 6-2 to win the World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 30, 2019. This is the first World Series title in franchise history for the Nationals. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Juan Soto gestures after hitting an RBI single against the Houston Astros in the eighth inning in World Series Game 7 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 30, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Howie Kendrick hits a two-run home run against the Houston Astros in the seventh inning of World Series Game 7 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 30, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Juan Soto celebrates with Trea Turner after scoring on a two-run home run by Howie Kendrick against the Houston Astros in World Series Game 7 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 30, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Anthony Rendon hits a solo home run against the Houston Astros in the seventh inning of World Series Game 7 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 30, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros opening pitcher Zack Greinke throws against the Washington Nationals in the third inning of World Series Game 7 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 30, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Jose Altuve steps over Washington Nationals Juan Soto and throws to first to complete a double play in the second inning of World Series Game 7 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 30, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Juan Soto rounds the bases after a two-run home run by Howie Kendrick against the Houston Astros in the seventh inning of World Series Game 7 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 30, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Juan Soto (22), Victor Robles (16) and Adam Eaton (2) celebrate beating the Houston Astros in World Series Game 6 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 29, 2019. The Nationals topped the Astros 7-2 and tied the series 3-3. Photo by Trask.Smith/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Alex Bregman hits a solo home run against the Washington Nationals in the first inning of World Series Game 6 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 29, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Anthony Rendon hits a two-run double against the Houston Astros in the ninth inning of World Series Game 6 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 29, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto grabs Houston Astros Jordan Alvarez's fly ball to the wall to end the first inning of World Series Game 6 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 29, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros George Springer scores against the Washington Nationals on a sacrifice fly by teammate Jose Altuve in the first inning of World Series Game 6 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 29, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg pitches into the ninth inning against the Houston Astros in World Series Game 6 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 29, 2019. Photo by Trask.Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Trea Turner (7) was ruled he interfered with Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel when receiving a throw in the seventh inning of World Series Game 6 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 29, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals bench coach Chip Hale (12) restrains manager Dave Martinez (L) during shouting match with home plate umpire Sam Holbrook (not pictured) after an interference call at first base in the seventh inning of World Series Game 6 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 29, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez (C) yells at home plate umpire Sam Holbrook (R) after an interference call at first base during the seventh inning of World Series Game 6 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 29, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Jake Marisnick jumps for a home run ball hit by Washington Nationals Juan Soto in the seventh inning in World Series Game 5 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 27, 2019. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Juan Soto homers in the bottom of the seventh inning of World Series Game 5 against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 27, 2019. Photo by Mark Abraham/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Carlos Correa rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals in World Series Game 5 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 27, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Carlos Correa (far right) is mobbed by his teammates after hitting a home run in the fourth inning of World Series Game 5 against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 27, 2019. Photo by Mark Abraham/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Jordan Alvarez celebrates with teammate Robinson Chirinos after hitting a home run in the second inning of World Series Game 5 against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 27, 2019. Photo by Mark Abraham/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros opening pitcher Gerrit Cole throws against the Washington Nationals in the first inning in World Series Games at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 27, 2019. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer throws against the Houston Astros in the first inning of World Series Game 1 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 22, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel (10) beats Washington Nationals Trea Turner to the bag with two men on base to end the seventh inning in World Series Game 4 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 26, 2019. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Alex Bregman hits a grand slam home run during the seventh inning of World Series Game 4 against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 26, 2019. Photo by Mark Abraham/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Carlos Correa (1) and George Springer celebrate after Washington Nationals Brian Dozier was forced out at second base for the final out in World Series Game 4 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 26, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros George Springer dives and misses a foul fly ball off the bat of Washington Nationals Anthony Rendon in the fourth inning of World Series Game 4 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 26, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Robinson Chirinos hits a solo home run against the Washington Nationals in the fourth inning of World Series Game 4 at Nationals Parl in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 26, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Juan Soto grounds out with the bases loaded, scoring teammate Gerardo Parra against the Houston Astros in the sixth inning of World Series Game 4 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 26, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros starting pitcher Jose Urquidy throws against the Washington Nationals in the first inning in World Series Game 4 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 26, 2019. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Jose Altuve (L) and Carlos Correa hug after Washington Nationals Brian Dozier (R) was forced out at second for the final of inning of World Series Game 4 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 26, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Juan Soto (L) and Victor Robles kneel before playing against the Houston Astros in World Series Game 4 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 26, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Seven-year-old Hailey Dawson with a 3D-printed robotic hand throws out the ceremonial first pitch alongside Washington Nationals pitcher Aaron Barrett in World Series Game 4 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 26, 2019. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander (L) talks to his former manager, Jim Leyland, before playing the Washington Nationals in World Series Game 4 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 26, 2019. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Carlos Correa (L) and Josh Reddick celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals 4-1 in World Series Game 3 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 25, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros George Springer dives back to first base in the first inning against the Washington Nationals during World Series Game 3 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 25, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Robinson Chirinos celebrates after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of World Series Game 3 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 25, 2019. Photo by Mark Abraham/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals fans do the "baby shark" as Nationals take on the Houston Astros during the sixth inning of World Series Game 3 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 25, 2019. Photo by Mark Abraham/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Ryan Zimmerman hits the ground after a close pitch from Houston Astros pitcher Josh James in fifth inning of World Series Game 3 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 25, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Victor Robles stands on third base after hitting an RBI triple in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros World Series Game 3 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 25, 2019. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Robinson Chirinos celebrates after hitting a home run against Washington Nationals pitcher Anibal Sanchez during the sixth inning of World Series Game 3 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 25, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Carlos Correa (L) and Jose Altuve celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals 4-1 in World Series Game 3 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 25, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Michael Brantley steals second against the Washington Nationals' Asdrubal Cabrera in the third inning of World Series Game 3 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 25, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros closing pitcher Roberto Osuna celebrates after defeating the Washington Nationals 4-1 in World Series Game 3 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 25, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Col. Buzz Aldrin, crew member of the Apollo 11 mission and the second man to walk on the moon, throws a ceremonial first pitch before the start of World Series Game 3 between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 25, 2019. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Carlos Correa scores on a single by Josh Reddick in the second inning against the Washington Nationals during World Series Game 3 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 25, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Carlos Correa scores on a single by Josh Reddick as Robinson Chirinos stands by in the second inning against the Washington Nationals during World Series Game 3 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 25, 2019. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals opening pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws s against the Houston Astros in the second inning of Game 2 of the World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 23, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Kurt Suzuki hits a solo home run in the seventh inning to put the Nationals up by one run against the Houston Astros in Game 2 of the World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 23, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Kurt Suzuki celebrates with Victor Robles after hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning to put the Nationals up by one run over the Houston Astros in Game 2 of the World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 23, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Kurt Suzuki celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning to put the Nationals up by one run against the Houston Astros in Game 2 of the World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 23, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Adam Eaton scores on a double by Anthony Rendon against the Houston Astros in the first inning of Game 2 of the World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 23, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Michael A. Taylor rounds third base after hitting a solo home run against the Houston Astros in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 23, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Adam Eaton is congratulated by Victor Robles after hitting a two-run home run against the Houston Astros in the eighth inning of Game 2 of the World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 23, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Martin Maldonado is congratulated by Josh Reddick after hitting a solo home run against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 23, 2019. The Nationals won 12-3 and lead the best-of-seven series 2-0. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI. | License Photo
Houston Astros Yuli Gurriel hits a double against the Washington Nationals in the sixth inning of Game 2 of the World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 23, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros opening pitcher Justin Verlander throws against the Washington Nationals in the third inning of Game 2 of the World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 23, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Adam Eaton's catch deflects off his glove on a Houston Astros George Springer RBI double in the eighth inning during World Series Game 1 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 22, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals closer Sean Doolittle hugs catcher Kurt Suzuki after earning the save in defeating the Houston Astros 5-4 in the World Series Game 1 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 22, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Juan Soto steals second base as Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa is late with the tag during the eighth inning of World Series Game 1 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 22, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros George Springer hits a solo home run against the Washington Nationals in the seventh inning of World Series Game 1 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 22, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals Juan Soto (22) celebrates his two-run double against the Houston Astros Jose Altuve in the fifth inning of World Series Game 1 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 22, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Washington Nationals center fielder Victor Robles misses Houston Astros Yuli Gurriel single in the third inning of World Series Game 1 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 22, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Michael Brantley singles against the Washington Nationals in the third inning of World Series Game 1 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 22, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Yuli Gurriel hits two-run double against the Washington Nationals in the first inning of World Series Game 1 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 22, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Yuli Gurriel (10) shares a moment with teammate Jose Altuve after hitting a two-run double against the Washington Nationals in the first inning of World Series Game 1 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 22, 2019. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Houston Astros Yuli Gurriel hits a two-RBI double against the Washington Nationals in the first inning of World Series Game 1 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 22, 2019. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
