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The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers meet for Game 1 of the 2023 World Series on Friday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. After taking a look at BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds, here are the 5 best World Series Game 1 prop bets to cash in on among SportbookWire’s MLB picks and predictions.
The Diamondbacks fly into the Metroplex on a high after winning a pair of games in Philadelphia to get back to their 1st World Series since 2001. The D-backs tied for the fewest wins of any of the 12 playoff teams, but none of that matters anymore. They’re 4 wins away from a title.
The Rangers have been road warriors to get to this point, and Texas has excelled as the underdog. It will be interesting to see how it responds as a favorite at home. The Rangers are just 1-3 in 4 postseason games at GLF, including 3 straight losses in the ALCS against the Houston Astros.
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World Series Game 1 prop bet predictions
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:01 p.m. ET.
Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen OVER 4.5 strikeouts (-110)
Gallen takes the ball for Game 1 for the Snakes. It’s been a quiet postseason for the team’s ace, posting a 5.24 ERA with 2 wins and 2 losses. However, he has had a penchant for going deep into games this season, and he has lasted at least 6 innings in 2 playoff starts, including Saturday against Philadelphia.
Gallen has managed 13 strikeouts in 22 1/3 IP in the postseason, and he racked up 220 Ks in 210 IP during the regular season.
He made a start in this park on May 2, working 5 IP with 3 ER, 7 H and 0 BB while posting 6 K in a no-decision. I think Gallen is amped for this Game 1 matchup, and he lasts long enough to get over the hump in whiffs.
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Rangers C Mitch Garver UNDER 0.5 hits (+130)
I really want to cheer for Garver. He is a tough guy who has had a great postseason. However, he was smoked in the ribs in Game 7 by a pitch, and should be in considerable pain. The good news is that he has no breaks or fractures, but playing catcher, even with sore ribs, and getting hits at the plate is a tough ask. At plus-money, this is a strong play.
Rangers OF Adolis Garcia OVER 0.5 RBI (+110)
Garcia had a blistering hot bat in the ALCS, winning MVP honors with 10 hits in 28 at-bats (.357) with 5 HR and 15 RBI. In fact, he has driven in at least one run in 6 consecutive postseason games, while managing 8 RBI in 4 playoff outings at home. Keep riding the Adolis wave until it crashes.
Rangers RHP Nathan Eovaldi OVER 1.5 walks (+105)
Eovaldi has been a tremendous and steady veteran presence in the rotation for Texas, bringing a wealth of postseason experience to a team desperately in need of it. The Rangers are 4-0 in his playoff starts, and he has gotten the win in each of them.
However, he walked 3 batters last time out in Houston on Sunday, and he had 2 or more BB in his final 5 regular-season outings, too. The fact he goes so deep into games gives him even more opportunity at the occasional walk. Reaching 2 free passes, especially at plus-money, is too hard to pass on.
First 5 innings total runs: UNDER 4.5 (-130)
I think we’re going to have some early nerves between these teams. The lights will be super bright on the biggest stage in baseball, and frankly, neither of these teams are very used to it. Sure, they’ve played a lot of postseason games to date, but this is an entirely different level.
Gallen and Eovaldi are strong pitchers, and they should both be well ahead of the batters, at least the 1st or 2nd time through the order. Go low in the first 5 innings, and feel confident in doing so.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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