The Houston Astros (+140), one of the best lineups in the AL, are set to host the Philadelphia Phillies (-165) at Minute Maid Park on Friday for the opener of the World Series. The early total was set at 6.5 with the over a -125 favorite.
The Phillies won four out of five in their last series against the Padres, taking the finale 4-3 on Sunday at Citizens Bank Park. Bryce Harper was 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs, extending his hit streak to 10 games. Kyle Schwarber added one run on three walks.
The Astros are coming off a four-game sweep of the Yankees, taking the finale 6-5 on Sunday at Yankee Stadium for their ninth straight win. Jeremy Pena went 2 for 4 with a home run, two runs, and three RBIs.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Astros won two of three in the regular season series between the teams, including a 3-2 victory in their most recent meeting on October 5 at Minute Maid Park. Framber Valdez threw five scoreless innings – striking out 10 – for the win, and Ryan Pressly earned his 33rd save with a scoreless ninth.
ON THE MOUND
Aaron Nola (11-13, 3.25 ERA) is set to take the mound for Philadelphia. The right-hander ranks third in the NL in strikeouts (235). Nola allowed six runs over 4.2 innings in his last start, an 8-5 home defeat against the Padres on October 19. He was charged with the loss, yielding seven hits while striking out six.Nola has made one previous start against the Astros this season, a 3-0 road victory on October 3.
He allowed two hits over 6.2 scoreless innings, striking out nine. For Houston, righty Justin Verlander (18-4, 1.75 ERA) will toe the rubber. He has made one prior start against the Phillies this season, holding opposing hitters scoreless over five innings in a 10-0 home win on October 4. He struck out 10 and walked one in the win.
In his last start on October 19, Verlander got the win at home against the Yankees. He threw six innings and gave up one run on three hits, striking out 11 and walking one in the 4-2 victory. The right-hander leads MLB in ERA. He also shares the AL lead in wins.
AT THE PLATE
The Philadelphia offense is averaging 4.6 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .253/.317/.422. Schwarber leads the team in OPS at .827. The left fielder is slashing .218/.323/.504 with 46 home runs, 94 RBIs, and 100 runs over 155 games. Against right-handed pitchers like Verlander this season, the Phils have a .727 OPS.
Schwarber also is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .900 OPS in 380 at-bats.nHouston is slashing .248/.319/.424 for the season and averaging 4.5 runs per game, third best in the AL. Four Astros hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Yordan Alvarez (1.019). The left fielder has 37 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 95 runs scored with a slash line of .306/.406/.613. The ‘Stros have a .726 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a 1.030 OPS over 308 at-bats, Alvarez also has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Philadelphia is 44-43 in road games in 2022, scoring 4.3 runs per game while allowing 4.2 runs. Houston has won six in a row in front of their home fans. The ‘Stros are 59-26 at home this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.1. Houston is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings at Minute Maid Park with an average scoreline of 4.7-3.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros won the AL West with a record of 106-56. The Phillies finished third in the NL East (87-75).
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Houston Astros (-165)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
