The Atlanta Braves are one game closer to a championship after their 6-2 win over the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the 2021 World Series last night. The Braves built up a 5-0 lead through three innings and cruised from there despite losing ace Charlie Morton due to a broken fibula after just 2 1/3 frames.
With Morton out for the rest of the series, Atlanta is counting on Max Fried to soak up some innings and preserve their bullpen tonight. Meanwhile, the Astros will try to even the series at home before it shifts to Atlanta.
Let’s get into our World Series Game 2 predictions and best bets. Please note that all Braves vs Astros odds and lines are current as of 11 AM EST on Wednesday, October 27.
Braves vs Astros World Series Game 2 Prediction
Atlanta Braves @ Houston Astros, October 27, 8:09 PM EST on FOX
Probable Starting Pitchers:
- Max Fried, Braves (14-7, 3.04 ERA)
- Jose Urquidy, Astros (8-3, 3.62 ERA)
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Despite Morton’s early exit in Game 1, Houston managed just two runs against Atlanta’s well-rested relievers. Things won’t get any easier for them in Game 2 against Fried, who’s been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball during the second half.
Fried is coming off his worst start in months, however, as his streak of 14 consecutive quality starts was snapped by the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the NLCS. Was it merely a bad start against a good lineup? Or is his arm starting to wear down a bit after logging over 180 innings between the regular season and postseason?
The Astros will look to capitalize against the left-hander, as they were the best-hitting team in baseball against southpaws this season. If they can knock Fried out of the game early, they should have better luck against a tired bullpen that covered 6 2/3 innings last night.
Atlanta, meanwhile, will try to jump out to another fast start against Urquidy, who had more runs allowed (six) than outs (five) in his only start of the postseason thus far. Urquidy has only pitched 1 2/3 innings over the last three weeks, so he’s either going to be extremely well-rested or extremely rusty.
Look for the Braves to keep swinging the bats well and making hard contact against Urquidy after smashing 12 hits (including four extra-base hits) in Game 1. Meanwhile, Fried should bounce back and keep the Astros at bay.
World Series Game 2 Pick: Braves 6, Astros 3
Can the Houston Astros’ offense bounce back against the Atlanta Braves in Game 2 after being held in check in Game 1 of the 2021 World Series? (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
Braves vs Astros Best Bets
Best Bet: Braves Moneyline (+101) at Caesars
Wager: 1 Unit
After backing the Braves moneyline yesterday, I’m doing the same for Game 2 at plus money on our MLB gameday odds. Atlanta has the much better starter on the mound tonight and outslugged Houston in Game 1. Urquidy doesn’t miss many bats (career 7.4 K/9 rate), so the Braves should be able to put the ball in play against him and score some early runs.
While the Astros’ lineup is dangerous against lefties, Fried’s ability to induce swinging strikes and grounders helps him get out of jams and will enable him to survive a couple of trips through Houston’s batting order.
Read all of our 2021 World Series Game 2 Betting Tips
Best Bet: Braves Over 4 Runs (-122) at FanDuel
Wager: 1 Unit
Atlanta has scored at least four runs in five of its last six games — a trend that should continue tonight against a rusty starter in a hitter’s park.
Every member of the Braves’ starting lineup had at least one hit in Game 1, which bodes well for their offense. They’ll also continue to benefit from having the DH in their lineup, which paid immediate dividends last night when Jorge Soler led off the game with a home run.
Back Atlanta’s lineup to stay hot in our MLB bet of the day.
Best Bet: Joc Pederson Over 1.5 Total Bases (+130) at DraftKings
Wager: 1 Unit
Joc Pederson has cooled off lately after his torrid start to the postseason but still has excellent overall numbers with a .273/.314/.545 batting line in October. He’s also been seeing the ball well with more hits (nine) than strikeouts (eight) during the playoffs.
Pederson has demolished right-handed pitching throughout his career and will have a pronounced platoon advantage against Urquidy. I like his chances of getting an extra-base hit or pair of singles tonight.
