Astros vs. Braves: World Series Game 3 betting odds, preview, and prediction

After playing to a 1-1 tie in the first two games of the 2021 World Series, the Houston Astros will visit the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park for Game 3 on Friday night.

It will be a battle of young fireballers on the mound as Houston’s Luis Garcia faces Atlanta’s Ian Anderson. Let’s dive into Friday night’s matchup and see which team will take a 2-1 lead in the 117th Fall Classic.

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

The Braves appear to be undervalued by oddsmakers as the home team for Game 3, so bettors should act accordingly.

Luis Garcia no-hit the Boston Red Sox through five innings in Game 6 of the ALCS before being pulled in the sixth. He did have an impressive rookie campaign (11-5, 3.30 ERA), but his first two playoff starts left plenty to be desired, as he produced a 24.55 ERA over 3 2/3 combined innings.

The way Garcia went about that incredible last start is likely difficult to replicate, as he dialed up some of his fastest pitches all season long. Don’t be surprised if the Astros’ relief corps is working overtime once more on Friday night.

Ian Anderson has been on a tight leash this postseason, but it’s hard to knock the 2.25 ERA over his first three starts (12 innings). Anderson could be allowed to work longer here, since the Braves will have to engage in some tricky bullpen management in both Game 4 and Game 5 with the absence of Charlie Morton. Fortunately for Atlanta, none of their high-leverage men were wasted in Game 2’s blowout loss, so Tyler Matzek, Luke Jackson and Will Smith should all be available.

In addition to a Braves moneyline wager, bettors may want to find themselves on the Over as well. It’s possible that Houston manager Dusty Baker will want to shove red-hot Yordan Alvarez into the lineup in left field, and that Brian Snitker will do something similar in Atlanta’s outfield with Jorge Soler, since the DH is not in use here.

In addition to their potent bats, Alvarez and Soler’s respective defensive shortcomings could lead to more runs being scored.

MLB pick: Braves -113, Over 8.5

Player prop pick: Michael Brantley Over 1.5 Hits (+172)

Astros outfielder Michael Brantley has five hits in his first nine at-bats of the 2021 World Series. Amazingly, four of those hits have come off left-handed pitchers.

Brantley hit just .219 against southpaws in the regular season, compared to a .363 mark against righties. He seems very much “locked in” right now, so don’t be shocked if Brantley tallies another multi-hit game.