The World Series is tied at one game apiece between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Fall Classic will now head to Chase Field for Game 3 when Max Scherzer takes on rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaadt.
Let’s look at current betting odds and determine the best bets and props for Game 3 between the Rangers vs Diamondbacks.
Rangers vs Diamondbacks Game 3 Prediction
Rangers 3, Diamondbacks 4
It may surprise you to know that Pfaadt has performed better in the postseason this year than Scherzer.
The Diamondbacks have won each game that Pfaadt (2.70 ERA) has started in the playoffs, while Scherzer has allowed seven earned runs over 6.2 innings.
Some may point out that Texas racked up seven runs against Pfaadt during his major league debut earlier this season. However, they would be missing the fact that the 25-year-old is an entirely different pitcher right now.
Since their last meeting, Pfaadt has added a sinker to his arsenal while moving to the other side of the rubber for his windup.
Still, the Rangers are a very dangerous offense, and this is the biggest stage the DBacks rookie has ever been on. So, will he be able to handle the bright lights of the World Series?
I think he will, especially since Torey Louvullo has been extra careful not to expose Pfaadt to a third trip through a team’s lineup. After which, the Arizona bullpen has been outstanding, with Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel, and Paul Sewald shutting down opposing teams late in the game (sans Adolis Garcia).
On the offensive side, the Diamondbacks lead the postseason with 21 stolen bases in 14 games. They are a fast team that doesn’t strike out much, making them a dangerous team when they are playing at their best. Hence their Cinderella trip to the World Series.
However, the Rangers are never out of it thanks to the amazing firepower in their lineup, namely Garcia and Corey Seager. The Texas shortstop carries a 1.079 OPS this postseason with five doubles and four home runs.
So, who am I backing to win Game 3? The Arizona Diamondbacks.
Arizona could easily have a 2-0 series lead if not for some late-game heroics from Seager and Garcia in Game 1, and I do not have faith in old man Scherzer.
Rangers vs Diamondbacks Game 3 Best Bet
Diamondbacks Moneyline (-104)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
As mentioned above, the DBacks are playing their best baseball at the right time and have an underrated advantage on the pitchers’ mound in Game 3 at home.
Back Arizona to win Game 3 and take a 2-1 series lead. Snakes alive.
Rangers vs Diamondbacks Game 3 Props
Brandon Pfaadt: Over 4.5 Strikeouts (+100)
BetMGM Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Pfaadt has racked up 22 strikeouts over 16/2 innings this postseason and has yet to allow a run at Chase Field over 10 frames in the playoffs.
Conversely, the Rangers have already struck out 20 times this series and have struggled a bit in this area when facing right-handers on the road this season.
Five strikeouts is a reasonably low bar that Pfaadt has cleared easily during his previous two outings, punching out nine Phillies on Oct.19 and seven more on Oct. 24.
