It’s finally here, and it’s glorious. The World Series starts on Friday night in Arlington, Texas, and it’s going to be a good one. So what that the Braves, Astros, Dodgers or Orioles aren’t in it? It’s been the postseason of the underdogs, and in my opinion, that has just made it all the more exciting. For Game 1, I’ve crafted a Same Game Parlay at FanDuel Sportsbook that pay s out at over 6/1 odds.
Texas Rangers ML (-168) over Arizona Diamondbacks
Here's a fun fact: every postseason game that Nathan Eovaldi has started this October, the Rangers have won. The veteran has been fantastic in the postseason with a 2.42 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and a .216 batting average allowed in 4 outings against the Rays, Orioles and Astros twice. His success this month has been both surprising and not surprising at the same time. It's been surprising since he posted a 9.30 ERA in his final 6 starts of the regular season, but it's also not surprising since Eovaldi has a career 2.87 ERA in 69 postseason innings. At this point, we have to ignore Eovaldi's regular season performances because he becomes a different pitcher once the calendar flips to October. But perhaps the most important attribute that Eovaldi brings is his ability to go deep in games.'
He has completed at least 6 innings in all 4 postseason starts which has been the key to Texas' success. When a Texas pitcher can go 6 innings, it allows Bruce Bochy to use his 3 reliable relievers to close out the game – Josh Sborz in the 7th, Aroldis Chapman in the 8th and Jose Leclerc in the 9th. Arizona's postseason success has been very surprising – especially since their ace hasn't performed like advertised. In 4 postseason starts, Gallen is 2-2 with a 5.24 ERA and a 1.48 ERA. During those 22.1 innings, he has allowed a .282 batting average, a .318 xBA and 7 barrels. Admittedly, he has faced some powerful offenses like the Dodgers and Phillies twice, but it won't get any easier against a Rangers offense that might be the most balanced lineup of any team that entered the postseason. From the leadoff spot to the 9-hole hitter, the Texas lineup can hurt you with one swing. Back at home with their postseason ace on the mound, it 9;s hard to not like Texas in this spot.
Check out our Arizona Diamondbacks vs Texas Rangers predictions