Houston Astro’s vs Washington Nationals

Game 2 of the 2019 World Series with the righty Stephen Strasburg taking the mound vs the Houston Astro’s Ace, Justin Verlander(righty).  Strasburg has been nearly untouchable in the playoffs and Verlander has been taking some thumps.

Verlanders’ last few outings weren’t “must win” situations.  He’s the type of pitcher that performs in high pressure situations.  His last few starts will either linger into his remaining games when guys run out of fuel or was he distracted throwing against the Rays and the Yankees in games that were not “MUST” wins.  This is a must win game for Houston as they head to Washington for the next 3 games.

Here are some of the numbers we are looking at with both teams.

• Strasburg is coming in with an era of 3.16 on the year however only a  1.89 in his last 3 starts.
• Verlander is coming in with a era of 2.69 on the year but a large 5.89 ERA in his last 3 starts.
• Houston bats only a career .167 as a team against Strasburg with only Altuve and Bregman with 2 hits each against him in 24 at bats.
• The Astros have a .268 average against righties this year and Washington has a .254 avg this year against righties.
• Washington bats a career .257 with almost everyone on the team except Rendonm, Zimmerman, and Matt Adams who have NEVER had a hit off Verlander.

The number opened at -170/+160 with Houston favored but is moving towards -180 at most books as of this writing.  The public numbers are leaning towards Washington after last nights victory, people are now seeing Washington has a chance as their future to win the world series moved to only +100 even money after Houston opened -200 before yesterdays loss.

All current numbers are pointing to Washington here along with the over if you base on how much runs each team has been putting up lately.  However this game will be a complete pitching duel and whoever takes advantage of that inning with bases loaded will walk away with this one.  The team that is playing better lately without a doubt is Washington.  But you can’t forget about a team as good as the Astro’s who will be hungry to win today but will it be enough to cool down this red hot Nationals squad.

TRENDS:

Houston is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
Houston is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing Washington
Washington is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington’s last 7 games on the road
Under is 6-2 in WAS last 8 playoff road games.
WAS are 41-16 in their last 57 overall.
WAS are 9-1 in the last 10 meetings in Houston.
Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings in Houston.