WASHINGTON -- Imagine the feeling if the Nationals did not have Max Scherzer pitching in Game 5 of the World Series.

Imagine the worry then.

• World Series presented by YouTube TV, Game 5: Tonight, 8 p.m. ET on FOX

But Scherzer will face Houston ace Gerrit Cole on Sunday night, following the Astros’ 8-1 victory on Saturday night in Game 4 that evened the best-of-seven series at 2-2 and ensured there will be a Game 6 back in Houston on Tuesday night. Scherzer is 3-0 with a 2.16 ERA in five games (four starts) this postseason.

“It’s exactly who we want,” catcher Yan Gomes said.

“We don’t mind where we’re at, best of three with Scherzer and [Stephen Strasburg] going the next two [games],” outfielder Adam Eaton said.

“We’ve got two of our big horses going in the next two games,” manager Dave Martinez said. “We just come back.”

It is a comforting feeling to have a three-time Cy Young Award winner and seven-time All-Star on the mound in Game 5. Scherzer is capable of doing something great whenever he steps on the mound.

The Nats could use something extra special Sunday.

“At this point in time, you literally just live and breathe each and every day,” Scherzer said before Game 4. “At this point in time, it's just one day at a time. You really -- that's a cliche, but man, is that so true that for us -- for me, it's just coming here and watching Game 4, watching to see what happens and just react to that. And then, when it's Game 5 just, hey, stay in the moment, understand what you're doing, feel the game flow, use your instincts and just pitch.”