Astros vs. Braves: the best player prop bets for World Series Game 3

What a difference a game can make. After being overwhelmed by the Atlanta Braves 6-2 on Tuesday night, the Houston Astros came roaring back on Wednesday with a convincing 7-2 victory. Jose Urquidy set the tone with a poised performance on the mound, and Jose Altuve added some insurance in the seventh inning with a 374-foot blast over the left field fences.

It's just one win, of course, but it's completely changed the narrative. Concerns over the Astros' lack of firepower and those many "Houston, We Have a Problem" headlines seem laughable now that the World Series is tied at one game apiece and momentum is firmly on the side of the American League champs.

Houston will try to move one step closer to the franchise's second title on Friday night when action resumes in Atlanta. The Braves will give the ball to emerging star Ian Anderson (9-5, 3.58 ERA), while the Astros will counter with rookie Luis Garcia (11-8, 3.30 ERA).

We've examined the matchup closely, and have the three best player prop bets for Game 3 below.

Ian Anderson Over/Under 3.5 strikeouts

Ian Anderson will be making his eighth postseason start on Friday night. That may not sound like a lot in the grand scheme of things, but it's an impressive feat for a player who only began his big league career 16 months ago.

Since toeing the rubber for the first time in 2020, Anderson has compiled a sparkling 3-0 playoff record to go along with a minuscule 1.47 ERA and 1.109 WHIP. Those are the kinds of numbers you'd expect from a veteran All-Star, not a kid who's barely old enough to drink.

He's been especially sharp this October, striking out 12 batters in 12 innings against the heavy-hitting Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers. That number is in keeping with Anderson's 8.7 strikeouts per nine innings during the regular season.

Anderson's perfect postseason record may not survive after tonight, but he's an excellent bet to strike out four batters or more. Take the Over and enjoy watching one of baseball's best young pitchers continue to come of age.

Pick: Over 3.5 strikeouts (+102)

---

Kyle Tucker Over/Under 0.5 hits

Although we expect Anderson to shine, he'll have his hands full with Kyle Tucker. The Astros outfielder cranked out two homers and eight RBIs in the ALCS, and has now collected a hit in seven straight games. It's the continuation of a breakout campaign for the 24-year-old slugger who posted career highs in runs (83), home runs (30), RBIs (92), and batting average (.294) during the regular season.

Tucker upped his batting average from .271 in the first half of the season to .327 after the All-Star break, and is hitting .356 in October. Count on him reaching base safely again tonight.

Pick: Over 0.5 hits (-250)

---

Luis Garcia Over/Under 4.5 strikeouts

Which version of Garcia will the Astros get tonight? Will it be the shell-shocked rookie who gave up five earned runs to the Red Sox in Game 2 of the ALCS and couldn't even get out of the second inning? Or will it be the mature, confident hurler who held Boston to one hit over 5.2 innings in Game 6? 

Regardless of which version we see, Garcia won't be on the mound for long. The Venezuelan pitcher has only lasted 9.1 innings in his last three starts combined, and will likely get the hook early again tonight so Dusty Baker can insert another hitter in the order.

Take the Under as some good 'ol fashioned NL gamesmanship comes into play.

Pick: Under 4.5 strikeouts (-121)