Nationals vs Astros 2019 World Series Game 1 Odds, Preview & Pick

Nationals vs Astros 2019 World Series Game 1 Odds, Preview & Pick

Written by on October 21, 2019

The Washington Nationals and Houston Astros start their quest for championship rings on Tuesday in Game 1 of the 2019 World Series. The Nationals enter the Fall Classic a huge underdog. Will Washington defy the odds in Game 1? Or, will the Astros start their quest for another World Series title with a victory? Check out the 2019 World Series odds, analysis, and a free pick for Nationals vs Astros Game 1!

Nationals vs Astros 2019 World Series Game 1 Odds, Preview & Pick

Weather Forecast

  • Clear: 22°C/71°F
  • Humidity: 41%
  • Precipitation: 0%
  • Wind: 4 mph NE
  • Cloud Cover: 0%
  • Type of Stadium: Retractable

Why the Washington Nationals are a good bet at +185?

The Washington Nationals defied the odds makers when they knocked out the L.A. Dodgers in the NLDS. They defied the odds makers again when they swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS. Now, heading into Game 1, the Nationals will once again fight against the odds.

Can Washington do it? Can they upset the Astros and take Game 1 in Houston? Although on paper this game is Houston’s too lose, Washington wasn’t supposed to even be here. If not for an amazing come from behind victory against the Brewers in the wildcard, the Nats might be at home watching on their televisions. But, here they are. So, even though they don’t seem to have much chance in the first World Series matchup, they’ve proven their doubters wrong already. Washington can prove those doubters wrong again on Tuesday night.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Runs/G: 5.39
  • BA: .265
  • OPS: .796
  • HR: 231
  • SB: 116
Defense:
  • ERA: 4.27
  • WHIP: 1.29
  • KS: 1511
  • Quality Starts: 87
  • Errors: 87

Why the Houston Astros are a good bet at -225?

Winning the bullpen Game 6 against the New York Yankees on Sunday should work perfectly for Astros manager A.J. Hinch in regards to his starting rotation. By winning Game 6 in the ALCS, Hinch didn’t have to pitch Gerrit Cole, the most dominant starter in MLB this season, on Sunday. Cole now gets to take on the Washington Nationals in Game 1.

How good has Cole been? He hasn’t lost a start since May 22. Cole should be as dominant as he always is on Tuesday night.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Runs/G: 5.68
  • BA: .274
  • OPS: .848
  • HR: 288
  • SB: 67
Defense:
  • ERA: 3.68
  • WHIP: 1.13
  • KS: 1671
  • Quality Starts: 88
  • Errors: 70

2019 World Series Game 1 Betting Trends for Nationals vs Astros

  • Nationals are 6-0 in the last 6 playoff games
  • Nationals are 14-3 in the  last 17 games following a win
  • The total went UNDER in 5 of Washington’s last 6 games on the road
  • Astros are 13-3 in the  last 16 versus the National League East
  • Astros are 4-1 in the last 5 playoff games
  • The total went UNDER in 4 of Houston’s last 6 games

World Series Game 1 Nationals vs Astros Betting Analysis

Make no mistake, Max Scherzer, the Nationals Game 1 starter, is an absolute beast. Scherzer can dominate opposing hitters. He has a ridiculous 2.92 ERA. Although Scherzer should pitch 7 innings and throw extremely well, the Nationals will still be up against it in this matchup.

The Astros hit Scherzer well. Overall, they’ve only had 96 at-bats against Scherzer, but Michael Brantley is 15-of-44, George Springer 2-of-6, and Josh Reddick 5-of-11. More importantly, the Nats, at some point, will have to sit Max down and put in a bullpen reliever.

That’s when the Astros offense could take off. On the other side, nobody can hit Gerrit Cole. The Astros are a ridiculous 29-7 SU when Gerrit Cole starts. They’ve won Gerrit’s last 16 starts. Houston takes Game 1.

MLB Free Pick: Houston Astros -225