World Series Game 3 betting preview: Astros vs. Nationals

The Nationals will go for a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven World Series on Friday night, when they send Anibal Sanchez to the mound against Zack Greinke and the Astros. Based on these starters' performances this postseason, the home team has a significant edge.

Sanchez has scattered five hits and three walks in 12 2/3 innings (two starts) this postseason, with 14 strikeouts. The home run-dependent Houston lineup could have a tough time against Sanchez, who had the lowest hard-hit percentage (27.5%) of any starter in the league this season (minimum 300 at-bats).

"Everybody talks about our big three," Nats manager Dave Martinez told the AP on Thursday, alluding to Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin. "But Anibal has pitched unbelievable. ... He gives us a chance to win ballgames every outing."

Sanchez is pitching for the first time in almost two weeks, but that should work to his advantage. He went 10 days between his final regular-season appearance and his Game 3 start in the NLDS against the Dodgers and was fine. Opponents hit just .186 against Sanchez when he had six or more days of rest this year (five starts). Corbin, listed as the starter for Game 4, won't be backing Sanchez in the bullpen in this one but a rested Daniel Hudson and Sean Doolittle, who have combined for a 1.72 ERA this postseason, will be available for the late innings of Game 3.

Greinke has been a historically poor playoff pitcher, with a 3-6 record and 4.44 ERA in 14 starts—none of which occurred in the World Series. He's a discouraging 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA and 1.428 WHIP in three appearances in 2019. It's unlikely the Washington lineup will put up another 12 runs, like it did in a Game 2, but the Nationals may not need to the way their pitchers are performing.

MLB free play: Nationals moneyline