Look for Astros to rebound in WS Game 4

Not only did Philadelphia regain the series lead, but maybe more importantly, they regained momentum. The Phillies spanked the Astros on Tuesday, 7-0, in Game 2 and are just two wins away from winning their first World Series since 2008. The Phillies hit five home runs on Tuesday, the bullpen still has yet to allow a run in the World Series, and Bryce Harper continues to be the best player this postseason. 

Don't think the Phillies are indestructible. Houston took Game 2 after blowing a five-run lead in Game 1, and if one thing is certain, it's this — the Astros aren't going anywhere. Similar to Philly, this team has battled injuries, been scrutinized by just about everyone, and yet, here they are. They are still winning, still proving doubters wrong, and still embracing the "bad guy" mantra. 

No doubt this series got a whole lot more interesting, but with better odds for those still high on Houston, you should jump on this Same Game Parlay (SGP). And best of all, this SGP has the best odds (+212) of any SGP I've had so far this postseason.

Let's start with our riskiest leg, the over of 0.5 runs in the first inning. At least two runs have been scored in the first inning of all three games of the World Series, and until that changes, we're going to take the over of 0.5 runs in the first inning. Both of these lineups are stacked, especially at the top of the order. Both teams have also been going deep with ease, so now's the time to jump on this leg. Whether it's Houston or Philadelphia, or maybe both, to score in the first inning, don't bet against this trend until it actually doesn't hit. 

As for the second leg of our SGP, take Houston +1.5 runs after five. Lance McCullers Jr. loves his off-speed stuff, and the Phillies were more than ready for it. Philly took McCullers Jr. deep five times and tagged him for seven runs, but don't expect to happen to Cristian Javier. Javier likes to establish his mid-90s fastball, which completely differs from McCullers. Javier may be on extra days of rest, but that was the case in Game 3 of the ALCS against New York, and the Yankees had no answer for him. Javier allowed just one hit over 5.1 scoreless innings, and while he probably won't be as effective on Wednesday against Philly as he was against New York in the ALCS, expect him to be solid, and give Houston a chance to win.

Speaking of solid, do you know who was not solid in Game 1 of the World Series? The starting pitchers. And Aaron Nola, who started Game 1 for Philadelphia, is starting again on Wednesday. Don't be surprised if Houston gets to him. Nola has allowed at least five runs and six hits in his last two postseason starts, and he simply can't be trusted. I'm not saying he'll be as bad as he was in Game 1, but don't expect him to coast through the Astros' lineup by any means. 

And to finish off our SGP, take Houston +1.5 on the runline. We like Houston to bounce back and win Game 4, but just to be safe, we're going to take them +1.5. We'll find out what the Astros are made of on Wednesday, but in the past, this team has always responded when their back has been up against the wall. Houston regrouped and won Game 2 after blowing a 5-0 lead in Game 1, and until they lose back-to-back games in the postseason, you shouldn't bet against them. Nola has been bad as late, no chance the Astros bats are cold for a second straight game, and Houston's best bullpen arms are rested and should be fully available for game four on Wednesday.

The SGP: Houston Astros +1.5 Runs, First Inning > 0.5 Runs & Houston Astros +1.5 Runs after five (+212 odds via FanDuel)

In the news ...

Phillies smash five home runs in Game 3, shutout Astros, 7-0, to regain series lead — Game 3 getting washed out on Monday didn't affect the Phillies bats even a little bit, as Philadelphia blanked Houston, 7-0, on Tuesday to take a 2-1 series lead in the World Series. The Phillies, who were underdogs to begin the World Series, are now favored (-145) to win the best-of-seven series.

Tennessee, Ohio State, Georgia & Clemson named CFP's first four — Tennessee, Ohio State, Georgia, and Clemson were named the top four teams in the College Football Playoff's initial top-25 rankings on Tuesday. The Volunteers were named the top seed, followed by the Buckeyes, Bulldogs, and Tigers. Despite Tennessee being the No. 1 seed, Georgia and Ohio State are still the consensus favorites to win the national title at 2/1. 

Tuesday NFL trade deadline features league-record 10 trades — The notion that nothing big ever happens on the day of the NFL tradeline can officially be put to rest. A league-record 10 trades were made prior to the Tuesday 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, including defensive end Bradley Chubb getting moved from Denver to Miami, and the Chicago Bears acquiring wide receiver Chase Claypool from the Pittsburgh Steelers. For the full list of trades made on Tuesday, click here.

Steve Nash out as Nets head coach; Brooklyn eyeing Boston's Udoka as replacement — Steve Nash and the Brooklyn Nets agreed to part ways on Tuesday. The Nets are reportedly in the process of finalizing a deal to make suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka the team's new head coach. The Nets are 2-6 through eight games and are 8.5/1 to win the NBA title. 

Today's Bark Bets is written by Jared Shlensky