New York Yankees
The Yankees had a real opportunity to go 2-0 up last time out, ultimately falling in extra innings. They just couldn’t get things going offensively, with Aaron Judge the only man to register any RBI. They’ve tended to be a much better home side all season and admittedly did what they needed to do to get a road split. Luis Severino will pitch here, having gone 1-1 with a 1.5 ERA during limited action this season.
Houston Astros
The Astros potentially saved their season last time out, overcoming an early deficit to avoid going into a 0-2 hole. Verlander was predictably outstanding on the mound, allowing just 2 runs and striking out 7 in almost 7 innings. They’re still a solid 48-35 on the road this season, although New York is a very tough place to play. The beastly Gerrit Cole will pitch here, entering this one off a 20-5 record with a 2.5 ERA through over 200 innings.
Prediction: Astros $1.60
Much like Verlander, Gerrit Cole has been easily one of the best pitchers in the league this season. I expect him to outclass a solid Yankees batting line-up here, performing much better than his opposite number. I’m not particularly confident in Severino and can see the Astros getting after him here. In what shapes up as a pivotal game 3, the pitching mismatch has me really liking Houston here.
Washington Nationals
The Nats moved to an impressive 3-0 in this series last time out, dominating St Louis en route to an 8-1 win. 2nd Baseman Howie Kendrick was particularly good offensively, going for 2 hits and 3 RBI. They now get to have a potentially series-clinching game 4 at home, where they’ve excelled all season. Patrick Corbin will pitch here, going 14-7 with a 3.25 ERA during over 200 innings of action this season.
St Louis Cardinals
The Cards’ hopes of a World Series birth look all but dashed after a terrible game 3 performance. Their offence was terrible yet again, while their pitching was the worst of the series so far. They haven’t been a good road team all season, sporting just a .500 away record in 2019. Dakota Hudson will pitch here, going 16-7 with a 3.35 ERA in 175 innings of action
Prediction: Nationals $1.60
St Louis have an absolute mountain to climb here, while Washington can get themselves some much-needed rest before the World Series. The starting pitchers are relatively even here, although Washington’s offence is significantly better so far. They’ve also got an excellent home field advantage, while St Louis’ road struggles have been well documented. The Cards have looked somewhat lifeless and unmotivated of late and I expect them to be put out of their misery here.