ALCS Game 5 betting preview: Houston Astros vs. New York Yankees

The Astros have a commanding 3-1 lead in the American League Championship Series and will try to seal the deal in Game 5 at Yankee Stadium on Friday night. Houston looked like the more complete team going into this series and should prevail again in Game 5, with one of baseball's best starters, Justin Verlander, on the hill.

Verlander was chased early in his most recent elimination-game appearance, Game 4 of the ALDS against the Rays, but he's certainly no choke artist. He has a 14-8 record, 3.18 ERA and 1.043 WHIP in 169 2/3 innings pitched in the postseason. Verlander produced a quality start in Game 2 of the ALCS at Minute Maid Park, where he went 6 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits and a pair of walks. The Yankees lineup is littered with batters who have struggled against the Astros' ace. Outfielder Aaron Judge, catcher Gary Sanchez and second baseman Gleyber Torres are a combined 4-for-35 (.114) against Verlander all-time.

James Paxton will try to go further than the 2 1/3 innings he got through in Game 2 5. Paxton got himself into trouble throughout that Sunday start and surrendered one run on four hits and two walks before manager Aaron Boone pulled the plug. The Yankees' skipper will walk a fine line with bullpen moves in this elimination game, bearing in mind that there are still two more games to be won if New York wants to get to the World Series.

Look for Houston's hottest hitters, second baseman Jose Altuve (1.114 OPS this postseason) and outfielder Michael Brantley (eight hits in his last 20 at-bats), to earn their team an early lead (.333 batting average combined against Paxton). Houston manager AJ Hinch would be wise to go to closer Roberto Osuna, who has tossed 22 consecutive scoreless innings against the Yankees (including four innings in the ALCS), as soon as possible to secure a champagne celebration.

MLB free play: Astros moneyline