The Philadelphia Phillies (-160) host the Houston Astros (+135) at Citizens Bank Park on Monday in Game 3 of the World Series with both teams looking to take the lead of the series. The early total has been set at 8 runs with the under a -115 favorite.
The Astros leveled the series 1-1 after winning 5-2 on Saturday, their third head-to-head victory in five games this season. Starter Framber Valdez went 6.1 innings to get the win, giving up one run on four hits and striking out nine. Jose Altuve was 3 for 4 with a double and one run in the win. Alec Bohm went 1 for 3 with a double and one run for the Phillies.
ON THE MOUND
Lance McCullers Jr. (4-2, 2.27 ERA) is in line to get the start for Houston. The righty allowed four runs (three earned) over five innings in his last start, a 6-5 home win over the Yankees on October 23. He yielded eight hits while striking out six and walking one in the no-decision. McCullers Jr. has made one previous start against the Phillies this season, a 3-0 home loss on October 3.
He surrendered one run on six hits over six innings, striking out five and walking one. For Philadelphia, right-hander Noah Syndergaard (10-10, 3.94 ERA) will toe the rubber. He has made two appearances against the Astros this season, both starts, giving up three runs over 9.1 innings (1-0, 2.89) with four strikeouts and six walks. In his last appearance on October 22, Syndergaard pitched out of the bullpen at home against the Padres. He threw 1.1 scoreless innings and gave up two hits in the 10-6 win.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 4.8 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.5. Against righties like Syndergaard this season, the ‘Stros have a .726 OPS. Alex Bregman is the team’s biggest on-base threat against right-handers with a .377 OBP in 308 at-bats.Philadelphia is averaging 5.2 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.6 for the season. The Phils have a .727 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .900 OPS over 380 at-bats, Kyle Schwarber has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is on a five-game winning streak in road games, bringing their record to 54-30 in 2022. The ‘Stros have scored 4.5 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.2 runs. Philadelphia has won five in a row at their home ballpark. The Phils are 52-34 at home this season, averaging 5.0 runs per game while surrendering 4.1. In the last 10 meetings at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia is 8-2 with an average scoreline of 5.6-3.8.
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 (-130)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
