Phillies vs. Astros Game 2 Same Game Parlay Picks: High Scoring Continues in World Series
Catcher J.T. Realmuto played the hero for Philadelphia in Game 1. Will the Houston Astros respond and avoid falling into an 0-2 hole in the Fall Classic? Here are our Phillies-Astros same-game parlay picks for Saturday.
The Cardiac Fightin’ Phils! Philadelphia battled back from a 5-0 deficit on Friday to take Game 1 of the World Series over the Astros. Could heavily worked bullpens play a role in another high-scoring affair in Game 2?
Here are my same-game parlay picks for Saturday’s World Series Game 2 between the Phillies and Astros (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Check out our Phillies vs. Astros game picks!
Phillies vs. Astros Odds
Phillies vs. Astros Game 2 Same Game Parlay Picks
Phillies vs. Astros Same Game Parlay Predictions
Over 7 (-106) ★★★
This World Series pits the team with the second-highest rate of Overs (Phillies) against the team with the highest rate of Unders (Astros) in MLB this season. Game 1 sailed Over the conservative total long before the game’s outcome was determined by Realmuto in extra innings. The offenses got the game to double-digit runs before the fifth inning concluded.
Both bullpens performed admirably in the subsequent innings, with Realmuto’s 10th-inning homer providing the only run scored over the second half of the game. For as clutch as those performances were, though, it’s difficult to imagine the relievers having the bullets in the chamber to carry the day again on Saturday following such heavy usage the night before.
The Phillies bullpen posted a 4.27 ERA during the regular season, which ranked 23rd in MLB and the worst among all postseason teams. Though the Astros had the best bullpen in MLB during the season, both offenses contain numerous sluggers capable of wearing down relievers after the two sides saw a combined 10 2/3 innings covered by their bullpens on Friday.
Wheeler Over 4.5 strikeouts (-128) ★★★
The Philadelphia bullpen was taxed heavily after starter Aaron Nola failed to get through the fifth inning in Game 1. Though it stands to reason that manager Rob Thomson would lean upon his relievers again if necessary in Game 2, it would be preferential to see Zack Wheeler navigate deeper into the contest if he’s looking strong into the middle innings on Saturday.
Since returning from the injured list in late September, Wheeler has made seven starts, postseason included, while allowing only six combined runs across those outings. Wheeler has pitched six or more innings in each of his four consecutive postseason starts this month, giving him ample opportunities to put 9.6 K/9 rate to good use.
Wheeler has managed to clear this line with five or more strikeouts in five of his last six starts, including his last three starts this postseason. His recent strikeout consistency and the reality of five of Philadelphia’s bullpen options being used up on Friday should position the Philly starter to clear this modest total in Game 2.
Valdez Over 5.5 strikeouts (-116) ★★★★
Framber Valdez is an interesting match to oppose a charged-up Phillies lineup in Game 2. Though Philadelphia as a team ranked tied for fourth in MLB during the regular season with a .770 OPS against left-handed pitching, their top power threats Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber are lefty bats who aren’t as impactful when facing LHP.
The Phillies struck out on average more than eight times per game during the regular season. In spite of the higher OPS against lefties, though, the Phillies curiously had a strikeout rate nearly 1.2% higher against lefties than righties throughout the year.
During the regular season, Valdez had a 10.4 K/9 at home, markedly better than his 7.4 K/9 rate on the road. During these playoffs, he has posted a 10.66 K/9 rate. In three postseason starts this month, Valdez has struck out 10, six, and nine batters respectively, thus clearing Saturday’s line at FanDuel Sportsbook in each of his playoff starts.
Combined Odds: Over 7 (-106) + Wheeler Over 4.5 strikeouts (-128) + Valdez Over 5.5 strikeouts (-116) = +588
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Phillies-Astros picks made 10/29/2022 at 3:00 a.m. ET.
