The Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros will go head-to-head in Game 1 of the World Series. Check the Phillies vs Astros Betting Predictions below.
Philadelphia is looking to upset the NL vs AL odds against Houston. The Astros enter play as a fairly heavy favorite. Nevertheless, the Phillies are a ball club with upset potential.
Philadelphia entered the postseason not expected to make it past the Wild Card round, let alone make it all the way to the Fall Classic. So they will not worry about the odds and predictions in this contest.
Houston has played an extremely admirable brand of baseball through the playoffs, based on NL vs AL odds. They have momentum heading to the series without question.
Game 1’s first pitch is scheduled for 8:03 PM EST on Friday, October 28th. Let’s take a look at the Phillies vs Astros odds and MLB picks and parlays.
Philadelphia Phillies vs Houston Astros Odds
The Astros are favored in Game 1. Additionally, they are unsurprisingly favored to win the World Series entirely.
The Astros were much higher in the MLB standings than the Phillies all season long. Their pitching is top-notch, while Philadelphia features a fairly thin pitching staff overall. And simply put, Houston has some of the best MLB players in the game.
But Philadelphia is playing a special brand of baseball at the moment. Their energy is high, and it will be interesting if they can pull off the upset.
The good news is that both teams are mostly healthy. There are not many big names to speak of on the MLB injury report for the World Series.
Let’s take a closer look at the Phillies vs Astros odds.
Matchup Information
Philadelphia Phillies vs Houston Astros Betting Preview
Starting Pitchers
Justin Verlander
Justin Verlander has had a tale of stories through his first two postseason starts.
He struggled mightily to open the postseason against the Mariners. Houston was able to battle back in the game and win on a walk-off homer, but Verlander’s outing was very uncharacteristic.
He rebounded nicely with a dominant effort against the Yankees during the ALCS. His effort propelled Houston to an early series lead, and they never looked back.
Verlander holds more advantages than one heading into Game 1 of the World Series, according to NL vs AL odds. Sure, he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball and will likely win the AL Cy Young award in 2022. But his World Series experience will be crucial as well.
The World Series represents a whole different brand of baseball. Players who have never participated in it before are liable to freeze in the big moment. However, Verlander will be more than ready.
Aaron Nola
Aaron Nola is an excellent pitcher. However, Nola has endured his share of ups and downs in the playoffs.
He owns a 2-1 record with a 3.12 ERA so far during the playoffs. But hitters are hitting over .330 against him, and he surrendered six earned runs against the Padres in his latest outing.
Prior to that blow-up of a performance, Nola had allowed just one total run (no earned) over 12 innings through two games.
What version of Nola will we get in Game 1? Only time will tell, but he’s certainly capable of giving the Philadelphia Phillies a chance to win. With that being said, nothing will come easy against this talented and experienced Astros ball club.
Philadelphia Phillies vs Houston Astros Picks and Predictions
Is this one of those MLB matchups where the favorite will run away with the game? Or can the underdog shock the MLB world and take care of business?
After reviewing the Phillies and Astros odds, it is clear that the Houston Astros are in line to get the job done. They have made it to the World Series in three of the past five years and will not be intimidated by the big moment.
Justin Verlander is going to pitch well enough to keep Houston in the game. Hey may run into some trouble with the Phillies’ big bats, but he isn’t going to back down.
I expect the same from Aaron Nola.
As a result, take the under on the total. Both offenses are impressive, but this very well may turn into a pitcher’s duel.
In the end, I like Houston’s chances of coming out on top.
Go ahead and take the Astros on both the run line and moneyline in Game 1 of the 2022 World Series.
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