Washington Nationals vs. Houston Astros Free Preview

Posts AdminArticles, Baseball, MLB

The Houston Astros are playing host to the Washington Nationals in Game 2 of the World Series. The visiting Nationals currently hold a 1-0 lead in the series, and this game is scheduled to begin at 8:07 p.m. ET. The matchup is slated to be shown nationally on Fox.

Washington Nationals at Houston Astros Odds

Including the regular season, the Nationals are 102-71 SU and are 99-73 against the spread (ATS). They’ve gained 11.4 units for gamblers taking the moneyline and 23.2 units ATS. The Astros, on the other hand, are 114-60 SU and 95-78 ATS. They’ve gained 7.2 units for bettors taking the moneyline and 3.7 units ATS.

Houston games have had an over/under record of 77-90-6 in 2019. Washington has an over/under record of 80-82-10.

Right-hander Stephen Strasburg will get the nod for the visiting Nationals. Strasburg is 18-6 with a 3.32 ERA and 251 strikeouts. He has yet to face the Astros this year and did not record a start against them in 2018, either.

The Astros will be sending righty Justin Verlander (21-6, 2.58 ERA) to the mound. Verlander has 300 punchouts and 42 walks to his name, along with a WHIP of 0.80. Verlander did not re a start against the Nationals in 2018.

Behind a team slash line of .244/.315/.389, Washington has produced 4.5 runs per game through 11 postseason outings. Houston is hitting .213/.294/.362 over 12 games and the team has managed 3.8 runs in this year’s playoffs.

The Astros bullpen has registered an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.42 this postseason, while Nationals relievers have a 4.73 ERA and 1.27 WHIP.

Third baseman Anthony Rendon and shortstop Trea Turner have paced Washington’s offense. Rendon is hitting .320/.413/.594 with 35 home runs, 133 RBIs and 126 runs scored. Turner (.296/.351/.490) is up to 20 homers, 60 RBIs, 102 runs and 36 steals.

The Astros’ offense has been led by outfielder Michael Brantley and first baseman Yuli Gurriel. Brantley is slashing .308/.370/.490 with 23 home runs, 92 RBIs and 92 runs scored, while Gurriel is batting .292 with 32 homers, 114 RBIs and 87 runs.

The Nationals just took Game 1 of this series by a score of five runs to four.

Nationals vs. Astros Free Pick

Predictions: SU Winner – Astros, ATS Winner – Nationals, O/U – OVER

Betting Notes

  • Washington has tallied 17 extra-base hits over its last five contests. Houston has 12 XBH over its last five.
  • The Nationals have hit nine home runs in their last 10 games. The Astros have hit 13 over their last 10.
  • The Nationals have a team OPS of .793 this season and an OPS of .783 when facing right-handed pitchers. The Astros’ OPS stands at .838 overall and .824 against righties.
  • Washington has posted 21.2 Runs + Hits + Errors per game over its last 10 games and 23.4 over its last five.