The Houston Astros tied the World Series at 2-2 following a historic combined no-hitter on Wednesday during a 5-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Cristian Javier tossed six hitless frames with nine strikeouts, while Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero, and Ryan Pressly held the Phillies without a knock for the final three frames.
The series is now guaranteed to head back to Houston for at least one more game. However, before that, the two league champions will square off in Game 5 on Thursday night at Citizens Bank Park.
Justin Verlander will look to bounce back from a rough Game 1 outing, as he takes on Phillies right-hander Noah Syndergaard, who has yet to pitch this series.
Let’s look at current World Series betting odds and determine the best bets and props for Game 5 between the Phillies and Astros.
Phillies vs Astros Game 5 Odds
Per these World Series odds, Houston is a massive favorite heading into Game 5 with the AL Cy Young favorite on the mound. However, given his poor track record in the World Series, nothing is for certain.
As of Thursday morning, the Over/Under is set at 7.5 runs. That total may be worth exploring given the fact that Philadelphia is probably looking at a bullpen game after the third inning.
Phillies vs Astros Game 5 Prediction
Astros 4, Phillies 2
Verlander will look to put his disappointing history in the World Series behind him in Game 5. The future Hall of Famer surrendered a five-run lead in Game 1, which ultimately led to a Phillies victory.
The 39-year-old carries a 6.07 career ERA in the World Series, having surrendered 29 runs over 43 innings. That said, Verlander was in complete control in Game 1 during his first trip through the Phillies lineup, retiring the first nine with ease before the floodgates opened.
However, the right-hander is unlikely to see as long of a leash in Game 5 from manager Dusty Baker. If there are signs of trouble, I would expect the Baker to look to his stellar bullpen to clean things up.
On the other side, Syndergaard is expected to pitch one time through the Astros’ batting order before giving way to the bullpen. The good news for the right-hander is that hardly anyone in the Houston lineup has much experience against him, with the Jose Altuve being the only regular with at least five at-bats (0-for-5).
I expect Verlander to finally turn in a marquee performance in the Fall Classic, leading Houston to victory in Game 5.
Phillies vs Astros Game 5 Best Bet
WS Game 5 odds posted are as of Thursday, Nov. 3, at 9 a.m. on FanDuel Sportsbook, unless otherwise noted.
Astros Moneyline & Under 7.5 Runs (+220)
WAGER: 1 Unit
As mentioned above, I expect Verlander to flip the narrative on its head and turn in a strong performance in Game 5.
The Astros have a massive advantage in the bullpen, and the Phillies are likely to turn to theirs by the fourth inning. This should allow Houston to chip away several runs en route to a Game 5 win.
Phillies vs Astros Game 5 Props
Justin Verlander: 7+ Strikeouts & Astros Win (+200)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I am riding my game prediction from pillar to post on Thursday. If Verlander turns in the performance I am expecting, then seven strikeouts are in the bag.
You could bet on a simple strikeout prop for the right-hander, but by tying in an Astros victory you can fortify your profits.
For a look at current betting for World Series MVP, take a look at our series MVP page.
