Odds favor Verlander and Astros in World Series pitcher's duel

The Astros will send Justin Verlander to the mound at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday night as they look to wrap up a second World Series title in three years against the Nationals. Washington won’t go down without a fight as they counter with Stephen Strasburg, who has been excellent throughout these playoffs.

Washington Nationals vs. Houston Astros Game 6 odds

Houston was dominant in D.C.

Houston completely reversed the momentum of the World Series by beating the Nationals three straight times in D.C. by a combined score of 19-3 after dropping the first two games of the Fall Classic at home. Game 5 should have been more competitive, but Max Scherzer’s late scratch due to a neck injury resulted in Joe Ross (4-4, 5.48 ERA in the regular season) matching up against Gerrit Cole. Astros outfielder George Springer knows that Game 6 will be a lot more challenging with Strasburg on the bump.

“[Strasburg] has elite stuff,” he told USA Today after Game 5. “The way he can command... his pitches, it’s not fun to face. It’s not easy.”

Strasburg has been nearly unhittable in October

Strasburg has been outstanding this postseason, going 4-0 with a 1.93 ERA. He’s struck out 40 batters in five appearances (28 innings) while walking only two. The former No. 1 overall pick pitched effectively in Game 2 of the World Series, allowing two runs on seven hits in six innings of work while recording seven Ks.

Verlander was outworked by Strasburg in Game 2, as he allowed four runs on seven hits and three walks through six frames. That ran his career World Series record to 0-5 with a 5.73 ERA. The Virginia native is 0-3 with a 5.40 ERA in his last four playoff starts.

However, the Nats haven’t hit a lick since Game 2, so it’s hard to recommend them on the moneyline in Game 6. Don’t be surprised if they force a Game 7 behind Strasburg, but the best bet of the night is the Under.

MLB Free Play: Under

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