Braves at Astros World Series Game 2 Betting Preview: Can the Braves Leave Houston with a 2-0 Series Lead?
A team with a juggernaut offense and plenty of recent World Series history against an 88 win ballclub who had not reached the Fall Classic since 1999 before this season. Who would you expect to come out hot and win in Game 1?
Well, the 88 win Braves continued to upset predictions and defy the odds with a huge Game 1 victory in Houston on Tuesday night. Jorge Soler led off the game with a solo home run, and Atlanta did not look back as they defeated the Astros 6-2. With their ace scheduled to start Game 2, the Braves are in a great position looking forward.
However, counting out the pesky Astros is never a bright idea.
Let’s take a look at the game preview and MLB betting odds for Game 2 of the World Series.
Betting Odds & Betting Lines
The moneyline at Bovada is nearly split, as the Astros are listed at -115, and the Braves are at -105. Betonline has Houston at -112 and Atlanta at +102.
Braves Preview: Continue to Score Early
In our Game 1 preview, we stated that the Braves needed to manufacture runs. They did that and then some in the victory.
However, they can’t expect the Astros to only score two runs once again, so making a statement by scoring early will be imperative in this contest. They will face a solid pitcher in RHP Jose Urquidy, but he is far from overpowering.
It seems as if every night, somebody new is stepping up for this team, so we will see who makes an impact on Wednesday night.
Atlanta will send LHP Max Fried to the mound in game 1. Fried is the ace of this staff, and his value to the team only increased because of the injury Charlie Morton suffered on Tuesday. The Braves would benefit greatly from a deep outing, but Fried certainly has his work cut out for him, given the ability of Houston’s offense.
His confidence might soar through the roof if the Braves can stake him with an early lead.
Astros Preview: Patience is a Virtue
The Astros offensive approach was difficult to watch in Game 1. They were flailing early and often in counts, which made Braves manager Brian Snitker’s job a whole lot easier, as he was able to use his relievers for multiple innings, which saved the entire bullpen from being overworked.
Despite Michael Brantley’s 3-hit performance and a couple of multi-hit games from Yuli Gurriel and Kyle Tucker, the rest of the lineup was fairly quiet except for a Yordan Alvarez triple. Even when they were trailing and in need of base runners, Houston kept swinging out of their shoes and making early-count outs.
I don’t doubt the Astros’ ability to score runs, but a better approach is going to be needed in Game 2.
Jose Urquidy is the scheduled starter for Houston. The Astros need him to eat some innings after they used five arms out of their bullpen in Game 1.
Game 2 Players to Watch
The Braves amassed an outstanding 12 hits in the first game of the series. Their bats were in full force as everybody in the starting lineup got at least one hit. So who is going to stay hot in Game 2 for the Braves?
Dansby Swanson showed resilience despite a lackluster start on Tuesday. Swanson crushed a ball to deep center field and missed a 3-run home run by a matter of feet which ended up just being a long out. He then made a rare error at shortstop, which led to a Houston run.
But Swanson did not let his struggles sway his confidence and bounced back with a base hit, a walk, and an impressive slide at home plate to score a crucial run for the Braves. I will be interested to see if he can build on his late-game success and carry it over into Game 2.
For the Astros, Jose Altuve had a dreadful night at the plate. Altuve finished 0-5 with three strikeouts and missed a couple of opportunities to spark a rally for his club.
But this is Jose Altuve we are talking about. He is a knack for bouncing back after struggling. With a left-hander toeing the mound for Atlanta on Wednesday, look for Altuve to turn things around at the plate.
Prediction: Who Wins Game 2?
Game 1 was the Atlanta Braves show. They came into Houston confident and ready to play and simply dominated the game. The Astros likely took offense to that and are going to come out looking for payback in Game 2.
My Game 2 MLB betting pick is for the Astros to bounce back and even this series up at one apiece. Expect the offense to perform better and lead the team to victory.