World Series Game 2 betting preview: Nationals vs. Astros

The Astros will look to even the World Series when they send Justin Verlander to the hill against Stephen Strasburg and the Nationals in Game 2 on Wednesday night at Minute Maid Park.

Houston hadn't lost a Gerrit Cole start since July 12, but he didn't bring his best stuff into Game 1, and Washington's bats took full advantage. Outfielder Juan Soto, three days shy of his 21st birthday, hit a home run, drove in three runs and stole a base, while veteran Ryan Zimmerman also took Cole deep. However, Cole at least ate seven innings before handing things off to Will Harris and Joe Smith. That means closer Roberto Osuna is fresh and unexposed to the Nats lineup for Game 2.

Washington's Game 1 starter, Max Scherzer, went five frames and was fortunate to allow just two runs. Probable Game 3 starter Patrick Corbin worked a scoreless inning of relief for the Nationals before Tanner Rainey, Daniel Hudson and Sean Doolittle combined to allow two earned runs over a tense final three innings.

If Strasburg doesn't pitch deep into Game 2, the Nationals could be in trouble. But based on Strasburg's first four playoff appearances in 2019, Washington has little to fear. The former No. 1 overall pick is 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA and an incredible 33-1 strikeout-walk ratio. Strasburg hasn't pitched since Game 3 of the NLCS on October 14, when he registered 12 strikeouts and held the Cardinals to one unearned run over seven innings.

Verlander has been inconsistent this postseason, with a 1-2 record and a 3.70 ERA. He has given up seven earned runs in the first inning alone, so it's quite possible the Nationals will jump out to an early lead. They were among the best-hitting teams in the first frame this season, with a .300 batting average.

Things could get hairy for Dave Martinez and the Nats once Strasburg is out, so bet them to be ahead after five frames instead of sweating it out late with a full-game wager.

MLB free play: Nationals moneyline first five innings (+140)