It’s Justin Verlander vs. Aaron Nola to kick off the Phillies vs Astros Game 1 of the 2022 World Series. Verlander is the obvious choice to open the series for Dusty Baker’s Houston squad, but the veteran has also struggled in the Fall Classic in his career. Nola gets the nod over Zack Wheeler as Philadelphia has made the World Series for the first time since 2009. This is business as usual for Houston who is here for the third time in the last four seasons.
Before Betting on Philadelphia vs Houston
There are obviously a lot of factors leaning towards Houston in the World Series opener. They are at home, an undefeated 7-0 this postseason, have the likely AL Cy Young award winner on the mound, and are used to the pressure of the moment with so many players on this roster having World Series experience.
Things are so good for Houston right now that the only player without postseason experience has been the most productive with rookie shortstop Jeremy Pena hitting .303 with 3 HRs in his first playoffs. The Astros have gone 7-0 in the 2022 playoffs even with leadoff man Jose Altuve hitting just .094.
Verlander was dominant this season going 18-4 with a 1.75 ERA, but he gave up 10 hits and 6 ER to the Mariners in his 2022 postseason debut before buckling down and striking out 11 Yankees batters in a 4-2 win last Wednesday. New York’s offense was a tough test, but the Phillies are red hot coming into the Fall Classic with Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins both hitting 5 HRs with 11 RBI this playoffs. Kyle Schwarber led the NL with 46 HRs this season and has World Series experience winning in 2016 with the Cubs. Verlander also has a 5.68 ERA in 7 World Series appearances.
The big X-factor for the Phillies in game 1 is going to be Nola on the mound. Rob Thomson decided to go with Nola (11-13, 3.25) even after he allowed 6ER to the Padres last Wednesday. Are the Phillies maybe conceding the opener and saving Wheeler (12-7, 2.82 ERA) who has a 1.78 ERA this postseason, to try and steal Game 2 and take home field advantage?
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | Phillies (+151)| Astros (-164) | 6.5 | Phillies +1.5 (-160) | Astros -1.5 (+140) |
| Bovada | Phillies (+141)| Astros (-170) | 6.5 | Phillies +1.5 (-160) | Astros -1.5 (+135) |
| BetUS | Phillies (+145)| Astros (-165) | 6.5 | Phillies +1.5 (-155) | Astros -1.5 (+135) |
| SportsBetting.ag | Phillies (+151)| Astros (-164) | 6.5 | Phillies +1.5 (-160) | Astros -1.5 (+140) |
| Pinnacle | Phillies (+147)| Astros (-160) | 6.5 | Phillies +1.5 (-162) | Astros -1.5 (+146) |
| MyBookie | Phillies (+138)| Astros (-172)) | 6.5 | Phillies +1.5 (-166) | Astros -1.5 (+134) |
Philadelphia vs Houston Game 1 Prediction
BetOnline is the place to wager on the Phillies although an outright win seems unlikely from Philadelphia. The Astros have the best value at Pinnacle, and it’s hard to see them losing the opener with Philly so amped up for their first World Series game as a franchise in 13 years while the Astros seemingly play in this every other year.
This will be a higher scoring game than the 6.5 total indicates, it almost has to be. The Phillies have a ton of heavy hitters but Nola was also rocked by the Padres in his last start. Houston pulls this one out and it goes over.
Pick: Astros -1.5 (+146,), Over 6.5
