MLB Playoff picks: Best bets for Rangers vs. Astros ALCS Game 3
Just as everyone predicted, the Texas Rangers stole two road games in a row against the reigning champion Houston Astros to take a 2-0 lead in the ALCS. The Rangers now head back home to Arlington with a chance to take a 3-0 series lead and inch one step closer to their first World Series appearance since 2011.
Texas will be rolling with Max Scherzer in Game 3, while Houston will trot out Cristian Javier with its back against the wall. Let's dive into the matchup and target a two-pack of best bets for Game 3.
Astros moneyline (+110 FanDuel)
No one outside of the Houston area wants to see the Astros come back and win this series, but almost every sign is pointing toward an upset in a must-win Game 3.
For one, Javier has been nothing short of brilliant in his playoff career. The right-hander has a 1.91 ERA in 15 postseason appearances, and he's gone 3-0 in his last three playoff starts with only two hits allowed, no earned runs, and 23 strikeouts. Scherzer, on the other hand, is making his first start since Sept. 12. The future Hall of Famer likely won't last more than four innings, and he'll turn the ball over to a bullpen that gave up the most home runs and recorded the second-highest WHIP in the AL in the regular season.
Max Scherzer under 12.5 outs recorded (-125 DraftKings)
This is a full fade of Scherzer coming off a concerning injury. The right-hander will be making his first start in over a month due to a teres major muscle strain in his right arm, and not even Scherzer himself knows how his pitching arm will respond.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy will likely pull Scherzer after about 70 pitches, and that's only if he performs well in the early innings. If he struggles to start the game or feels uncomfortable throwing the ball at any point, Scherzer will be pulled.
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