Washington Nationals vs. Houston Astros – 10/23/2019 Free Pick & MLB Betting Prediction

How did you like Game 1 of the 2019 World Series?

It was a battle of heavyweight pitchers on Tuesday night and it wasn’t quite the show we were all expecting. It was Juan Soto whose star shone the brightest. He did it with a little help from the Nats Bullpen as well though.

This was a finger-biting 5-4 victory for the Nationals in Game 1 and hopefully we get more just like it.

Washington Nationals

Washington, like Houston, has depth in its starting rotation. For Game Two they are going with Stephen Strasburg, who has been their best pitcher in the playoffs.

Stras might not be the bulldog that Max Scherzer is but they have won every game he has pitched in the playoffs and he was brilliant against L.A. with 12 Ks over seven innings.

The Washington bullpen has been less of a concern thanks to a couple of key arms. Daniel Hudson has not given up a run in the postseason (heading into Tuesday) and neither had Fernando Rodney. They are gritting it out for the Nats.

Hitting wise runs are going to be tough to come by early in games against the Astros’ starters. Hopefully, Washington is not shell shocked after facing Gerrit Cole.

The guy who has the most at-bats and success against Justin Verlander is Asdrubal Cabrera, including a few homers. so look for him to get into the lineup somewhere.

Houston Astros

Houston will have Justin Verlander start the second game of the series. In the playoffs he has been good but not great and actually has a losing record at 1-2.

It may or may not be a thing but he has been sharper the first time he faces a team in a series. That was the case against the Rays and Yankees.

Houston’s bullpen might have been underrated during the regular season but in the postseason it has not been as sharp. Small sample sizes distort but still they have proven to be better.

This is the World Series a stage that Houston is more familiar with. Jose Altuve continues to build his legend and he is one several players who I expect to hit.

No Astro has more than 5 at bats against the righty in their career and Altuve and Alex Bregman are the only players with more than one hit.

Yordan Alvarez is their top lefty power bat. It would be great if they could get a big swing out of the superlative rookie.

MLB Baseball Betting Trends:

WAS are 21-8 in their last 29 Wed. games.
WAS are 40-16 in their last 56 overall.
WAS are 40-16 in their last 56 games on grass.
HOU are 40-12 in their last 52 home games.
HOU are 53-19 in their last 72 games on grass.
HOU are 23-9 in their last 32 playoff home games.

Free Washington Nationals vs. Houston Astros MLB Prediction: Houston wins Game 2.

I am big on Houston to win their second World Series in three seasons. After game 1 and their losing result I expect Verlander to be sharp and for the offense to give him just enough support.

Strasburg should be pretty sharp too so the under also looking like a smart bet. I am not expecting him to give up much though the bullpen has me a little concerned when he leaves.

4* Free 2019 World Series Game 2 Betting Pick: Under

Look for both starters to get in 7, especially with the DH making the hitting part no concern for either side. After 100 pitches each Houston is up 3-1. Both teams add on a run against the bullpen but we still sneak under.

MLB Free Score Prediction: Washington 2 – Houston 4

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