Braves vs. Astros: World Series Game 1 betting odds, preview, and prediction

The World Series gets underway on Tuesday night as the Atlanta Braves battle the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. The Braves are in search of their first championship since 1995, while the Astros will try for their first title since 2017, which would finally secure veteran manager Dusty Baker a World Series ring.

Below is our preview of Game 1 of the 117th Fall Classic.

Atlanta Braves at Houston Astros, 8:09 p.m. ET, FOX

The Braves look like a solid underdog play in Game 1 of the 2021 World Series.

Charlie Morton gets the starting assignment for Atlanta, fresh off five innings of two-run baseball against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLCS. That was his second straight successful outing on the road in these playoffs, as he also recorded a quality start against the Milwaukee Brewers (two runs over six frames) in Game 1 of the NLDS.

Morton was simply continuing his success on the road from the regular season in those spots; he owned a 3.06 ERA and .185 opponent batting average on the road this year (15 starts), and a 3.61 ERA and .219 opponent batting average at home (19 starts).

Going into Houston and squaring off with the Astros’ top-notch offense will be a challenge, but Morton should be up to the task. Jose Altuve and Michael Brantley are a combined 5-for-25 (.200) all-time against “Ground Chuck.”

Framber Valdez responds for the ‘Stros, looking to replicate his ALCS Game 5 gem against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park, in which he allowed only one run over eight innings. However, his first two starts this postseason were far inferior (six earned runs over seven combined innings), making it difficult to determine how Valdez will fare here.

Considering how red-hot Eddie Rosario is at the plate (.474 average, three homers, 11 RBI) and the fact that Jorge Soler will likely suit up for the Braves at DH, it may be a tall order for Valdez to bottle this Atlanta offense.

The Astros have four relievers rocking an ERA of 1.50 or below, while the Braves’ bullpen depth will be tested beyond Tyler Matzek and Will Smith. However, bettors should expect Atlanta to build a comfortable early lead in Game 1 and never look back.

MLB pick: Braves +114

Player prop pick: Dansby Swanson Over 0.5 RBI (+200)

Swanson has been slotted low in the Braves order, but has at least one hit in nine of his first 11 postseason games this year. However, his ability to come through with runners on has been mitigated by the pitcher’s spot batting behind him throughout, so he has just one RBI.

Now that the DH is in effect for Game 1 of the World Series, Swanson should get more chances to knock some runners in. Don’t be surprised if he drives in a run on Tuesday night.