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Chris Meaney
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Best MLB Bets and Picks Today
Houston Astros at Philadelphia Phillies
Astros -1.5 (+112, FanDuel Sportsbook)
Thursday night, the Phillies and the Astros meet for Game 5 of the World Series. Houston won Game 4 5-0 behind timely hitting, but most impressively, they no-hit the Phillies. Cristian Javier went six innings, then Houston had three relievers hold Philly to zero hits in the first combined no-hitter in World Series history.
The Astros looked dead in the water Tuesday night, but they came back to life Wednesday in Philly. Houston had 10 hits and they manufactured five runs without hitting a home run in Game 4. Their combined no-hitter was also impressive and historic, but they cannot count on keeping the Phillies’ bat quiet for the second straight night.
After blasting five home runs in Game 3, Philly was humbled in Game 4. Now, they are tied 2-2 with the Astros and will head back to Houston for Saturday’s game with either a 3-2 lead or a 3-2 deficit.
Justin Verlander will make the start for the Astros Thursday in Philly. This will be his fourth start of the postseason, certainly the most important one. Verlander has had a rough go in the World Series in his career, and he is looking to bounce back from another rough World Series start in Game 1. He allowed five runs on six hits with 5 strikeouts in five innings of work in Game 1. When Verlander faced the Phillies Oct. 4, he allowed no runs on five hits with 10 strikeouts in that game.
Noah Syndergaard will make the start for the Phillies at home. This will be just his second appearance of the postseason and his first start. In his first appearance, he went 1.1 innings allowing no runs on two hits. Syndergaard was acquired by Philly at the trade deadline to strengthen their rotation, but he has had mixed results since getting to Philly. They are using him as more of a reliever which is not what they envisioned when they traded for him.
The Astros reminded everyone that they are the better team, and the way they won Wednesday was beyond impressive. While I always like the Phillies’ chances at home, I do not have much faith in Syndergaard at all. Of course, it is tough to trust Verlander at this point also, but at least we know he is a true ace. I am going to back Houston here on the run line for more value.
Bet: Astros -1.5 (+112, FanDuel Sportsbook)
