The Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies are tied at one game apiece as the World Series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Monday, and this is where Houston’s rotational depth should begin to pay dividends.
They’re starting Lance McCullers Jr., who is fresher than most players at this point in the year after not making his debut until August. He’s been phenomenal in limited action, posting six quality starts in 10 games this season and postseason and not allowing more than three earned runs in any game.
The Phillies will have Noah Syndergaard on the mound, a solid option but clear drop-off from Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler, who the Astros were able to catch up to in Games 1 and 2. All 10 runs scored by the Astros this series have been off the starters.
Syndergaard should also be somewhat fresh after pitching all of 5 1/3 innings in three appearances this postseason, including two in relief. And he’s seen these Astros as a member of the Angels earlier in the season. In his first start of the year, he held them to two hits and no runs in 5 1/3 innings. Then, in July, Houston caught up to him for three runs in four innings.
So far in these playoffs, Houston’s good offense has beaten Philly’s good pitching. So I expect more of that in Game 3. But I do anticipate Philadelphia’s offense coming back to life at home after being shut down by Framber Valdez in Game 2.
Kyle Schwarber has reached base in nine straight games, and he hit a lead-off homer the last time he saw McCullers near the end of the regular season. So I like him to reach on a hit in Game 3, and my favorite bet from the game is over 0.5 runs in the first inning. I’m also looking for the total to go over eight runs in an Astros win.
Prince’s Pick: Astros win 6-4
Prince’s Prop: Yes to run in first inning (+105)
Player Prop: Kyle Schwarber Over 0.5 hits (-145)