The Texas Rangers took a 2-1 series lead on Monday after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 in Game 3 of the World Series.
However, the Rangers did not escape Game 3 without a few battle scars, with starting pitcher Max Scherzer (back) and superstar outfielder Adolis Garcia (side tightness) leaving with injuries.
Game 4 will feature Rangers southpaw Andrew Heaney taking on veteran reliever Joe Mantiply in what will be a bullpen game for the Diamondbacks.
Let’s look at current betting odds and determine the best bets and props for Game 4 between the Phillies and Astros.
Rangers vs Diamondbacks Game 4 Prediction
Rangers 4, Diamondbacks 6
Jon Gray was originally expected to pitch Game 4, but Scherzer’s early exit required the right-hander to make a surprise appearance on Monday.
Instead, Heaney (6.00 ERA in playoffs) will get the start for Texas, while Mantiply will serve as the Diamondbacks opener for the second time this postseason.
On the Texas side, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Dane Dunning piggyback Heaney in Game 4, with Arizona turning to Ryan Thompson, Kyle Nelson, and Luis FrÃas to handle most of their innings behind Mantiply before turning the game over to Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald.
It is difficult to predict a game win in which both bullpens are expected to see a ton of work, but I will give the edge to Arizona, given their track record in the playoffs this year. Plus, the possible loss of Garcia in the Rangers lineup for Game 4 is a major consideration.
Rangers vs Diamondbacks Game 4 Best Bet
Over 9.5 Total Runs (+100) at FanDuel Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Game 4 may be difficult to predict, but I am confident there will be plenty of runs.
Texas may not be going with a full bullpen game, but I trust Heaney as far as I can throw him. Both Ketel Marte and Christian Walker share success against Heaney over a small sample size, going a combined 4-for-10 with four home runs.
I expect a few baseballs to leave the yard on Tuesday en route to a modest scoring bonanza.
Rangers vs Diamondbacks Game 4 Props
Ketel Marte: Over 1.5 Total Bases (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Marte has just six career at-bats against Heaney. However, both of his two hits were home runs.
The 30-year-old has been red hot this postseason, batting .333/.,362/.545, and claiming the NLCS MVP award. In the World Series, Marte is just 3-for-13 with a double, so Game 4 looks like an excellent opportunity to make his mark in the Fall Classic.
