Washington Nationals vs. Houston Astros Matchup

Posts AdminArticles, Baseball, MLB

The Houston Astros are set to host the Washington Nationals in Game 6 of the World Series. The Astros currently hold a 3-2 series lead, and this elimination showdown will be nationally televised on Fox. The opening pitch is scheduled for 8:07 p.m. ET.

Washington Nationals at Houston Astros Odds

Las Vegas has Houston (-170) as the favorite over Washington (+160). If you’re thinking this game’s total is going to go under 7.5 runs, then bookmakers are offering -120 odds. Taking the over give you even money (+100). This game currently has a runline of Nationals +1.5 (-135) and Astros -1.5 (+115).

The Nationals are 103-74 SU and have gone 101-76 against the spread (ATS). They’ve accumulated 11.7 units for moneyline bettors and 22.0 units ATS. Washington has covered the spread four times in its last seven games and the over has hit in six of those seven. The Astros, on the other hand, are 117-61 SU and 98-80 ATS. The team’s gained 6.7 units for bettors taking the moneyline and 4.7 units ATS. Houston has covered the spread four times in its last seven games and the over has cashed in five of those seven.

Astros games have an over/under record of 81-91-6 in 2019. Nationals games have gone over 84 times, gone under 83 times and pushed on 10 occasions.

Stephen Strasburg will get the nod for the visiting Nationals. The right-handed Strasburg (18-6, 3.32 ERA) has racked up 251 punchouts in 208 innings so far. He has yet to face the Astros this year and did not record a start against them in 2018, either.

The Astros will send righty Justin Verlander (21-6, 2.58 ERA) to the mound. Verlander has 300 strikeouts and 42 walks as well as a WHIP of 0.80. Verlander did not record a start against the Nationals in 2018.

Fueled by a team slash line of .239/.315/.382, the Nationals have averaged 4.3 runs scored through 15 playoff games. Houston is hitting .235/.313/.401 over 16 games and the team has put up 4.2 runs in this year’s playoffs.

The Astros bullpen has registered a postseason ERA of 3.91 and a WHIP of 1.48, while Nationals relievers have a 4.89 ERA and 1.41 WHIP.

Third baseman Anthony Rendon and right fielder Adam Eaton continue to lead Washington’s offense. Rendon is slashing .318/.411/.588 with 35 home runs, 135 RBIs and 126 runs scored, while Eaton is hitting .275 with 16 homers, 56 RBIs, 111 runs and 15 stolen bases.

Left fielder Michael Brantley and first baseman Yuli Gurriel have led the way for the Astros’ batters this year. Brantley is hitting .311/.373/.488 with 23 home runs, 94 RBIs and 95 runs scored, while Gurriel’s line is .293/.336/.520 with 32 homers, 116 RBIs and 88 runs scored.

The Astros just took Game 5 of the series by a score of seven runs to one.

Nationals at Astros Free Pick

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

Betting Trends

  • The under has hit in just two of Houston’s last seven games.
  • Houston has posted 22.0 Runs + Hits + Errors per game over its last 10 contests and 26.4 over its last five.
  • The Nationals have hit 11 home runs in their last 10 games, including six over their last five.
  • The Nationals have a total OPS of .790 this season and an OPS of .782 when facing right-handed pitchers. The Astros’ OPS stands at .839 overall and .826 versus righties.