Best Bet for the World Series Game 2: Atlanta Braves vs. Houston Astros

We did not have to wait long for the 2021 World Series to get off to a historic start. Atlanta’s Jorge Soler became the first player with a leadoff home run in the top of the first inning of Game 1 in World Series history. In addition, the Braves became the first team in World Series history to score in each of the first three innings of Game 1.

What does Game 2 have for an encore?

Here is my best bet for Wednesday’s Game 2 of the World Series. (Odds courtesy DraftKings Sportsbook)

View the best player prop bets for today’s slate with our MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet >>

YTD: 198-164-8 (+17.7 units) 

Braves-Astros OVER 8.5 runs (-115)

In the introduction, we highlighted two “firsts” that happened in Game 1. Yesterday’s game was also historical from the standpoint that it was just the third time in World Series Game 1 history that both starting pitchers failed to finish the third inning, and the first time it happened since 1966. As a result, the Braves and Astros bullpens combined to throw 13.2 innings, and Atlanta, in particular, used many of their best relievers in trying to protect their early lead. We like that to have an effect tonight in terms of a lot of runs being scored.

Many of Atlanta’s outfield acquisitions made a crucial impact in Game 1. Entering last night’s game, Adam Duvall had 49 RBI in 65 games. Eddie Rosario was the NLCS MVP after batting .560 with nine RBI. Jorge Soler had 14 home runs and an OPS of .864, and Joc Pederson contributed three home runs and nine RBI in the postseason. That quartet combined for six hits and five of the seven RBI in Atlanta’s Game 1 win. These four and the rest of the Braves lineup face Jose Urquidy, who allowed six runs (five earned) on five hits and two walks in 1.2 innings in his only postseason start. It was also his first game action since October 3rd, and we expect similar rust and a lot of outs needed from the Astros bullpen tonight.

Atlanta starter Max Fried had the best ERA of any pitcher in baseball after the All-Star break. However, he showed his vulnerability in his last start against the Dodgers in Game 5, allowing five earned runs on eight hits in 4.2 innings. He faces an Astros lineup that led that has hit .305 with an OPS of .838 against left-handed pitching this postseason.

The over has cashed in Houston’s last four games following a loss and is 4-1-1 in Atlanta’s last six games. Look for a high-scoring contest tonight.

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