World Series betting preview: Astros vs. Nationals

After three rounds of playoffs featuring drama and intrigue, the stage is set for the World Series. The Washington Nationals are seeking their first title, while the Houston Astros can capture their second in three years. Here's how the two teams stack up going into the best-of-seven fall classic, which begins Tuesday night.

Odds to win the World Series

Starting Pitching

Houston's rotation was widely considered the best of any postseason team, but it has been vulnerable lately. Gerrit Cole has not been part of the problem—with a 3-0 record to go along with a 0.40 ERA and 0.794 WHIP in three starts—but manager A.J. Hinch chose not to use him on short rest in Game 6 of the ALCS. That was possibly a reaction to being burned with Justin Verlander in Game 4 of the ALDS. Verlander is 1-2 with a 3.70 ERA this postseason and has allowed five home runs in four outings. Zack Greinke has been tattooed for 10 runs in just 14 innings (three starts).

Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg have been terrific at the top of Washington's rotation this postseason. Mad Max is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in four appearances, while Strasburg is 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA through four outings. Patrick Corbin has been inconsistent but matches up well in a potential Game 3 start against Greinke. Anibal Sanchez (one earned run allowed over 12 2/3 innings) could give the Nationals a solid outing in Game 4 against the Astros' relievers.

Edge: Nationals

Bullpen

The Nats bullpen struggled during the regular season, but these relievers have delivered during the playoffs (five saves). Sean Doolittle and Daniel Hudson have allowed just two earned runs combined over 13 innings, but this relief corps is awfully thin and could be sternly tested in an extended series against a much better offense than it faced in the ALCS.

The Astros bullpen ERA is a mediocre 4.08 through 35 1/3 innings of work this postseason. Houston relievers have allowed six home runs, including the one closer Roberto Osuna served up to D.J. LeMahieu that almost cost the Astros Game 6 of the ALCS.

Edge: Even

Lineup

The Astros haven't been hitting for average this postseason, but they've compiled 14 home runs, second only to the Yankees (15). Second baseman Jose Altuve (1.184 OPS), the ALCS MVP, leads his club with five homers. Third baseman Alex Bregman has just one home run, but teams have been hesitant to pitch to him. His 10 walks lead the Astros' lineup by a healthy margin.

Washington was second in the National League in OPS (.796) during the regular season, but the Astros staff was third in opponent OPS this year (.660). Third baseman Anthony Rendon and second baseman Howie Kendrick, the NLCS MVP, can ill afford to go into a slump in the World Series.

Edge: Astros

X-factor: Yordan Alvarez

Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez had a phenomenal rookie season. He hit .313, with 27 homers and 78 RBIs, in 313 at-bats. He continued to hit well in the ALDS—6-for-19—but laid an egg in the ALCS and went 1-for-22. We'll see if he can get back on track against a stingy Nationals staff.

Betting trends

The well-rested Washington players should feel good going into Game 1 of the World Series, as they're 14-5 in their last 19 games following an off day. They're also 20-7 in their last 27 games against teams with winning records. However, Houston has won 40 of its last 52 home games and is 46-11 in its last 57 series-opening contests.

Prediction: Astros in seven games

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