At the onset of the World Series is universal acclaim about the equal abilities of both teams. The Houston Astros are one of the most complete teams in the game. So too are the Atlanta Braves. Although Atlanta had to overcome a series of issues that held them down in the season's first three months. Will Smith solved the Braves' closer problems with a stellar finish. Smith had a roller coaster start to the campaign. However, he is in dominant form heading into the Fall Classic. Houston has overcome its cheating image to be a respected gambling brand again.
2021 World Series Schedule
Game 1: Braves at Astros, Tuesday (8:09 p.m. ET, Fox)
Game 2: Braves at Astros, Wednesday (8:09 p.m. ET, Fox)
Game 3: Astros at Braves, Friday, Oct. 29 (8:09 p.m. ET, Fox)
Game 4: Astros at Braves, Saturday, Oct. 30 (8:09 p.m. ET, Fox)
*Game 5: Astros at Braves, Sunday, Oct. 31 (8:15 p.m. ET, Fox)
*Game 6: Braves at Astros, Tuesday, Nov. 2 (8:09 p.m. ET, Fox)
*Game 7: Braves at Astros, Wednesday, Nov. 3 (8:09 p.m. ET, Fox)
*if necessary
Odds Analysis
At the beginning, the Astros opened as a -145 favorite to win the World Series. Atlanta was a +120 choice.
Houston has the credibility of being a recent World Series champion (2017). To summarize, the Astros played in the 2017 and 2019 World Series. And they have made the playoffs five consecutive years. In like manner, the Braves made the playoffs for the past four years. Atlanta's most recent World Series was in 1999. Still, gamblers have long memories regarding past Braves postseason failures. Squares will split between these teams. Sharps will take the capable underdog Braves.
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta brings a record of 95-76. MLB metrics show the Braves ranked 8th for run production and 3rd for earned run average. On the road, Atlanta was 48-38 and 36-46-1 over/under. At home, Atlanta was 47-38 and 43-34-8 over/under. With the run line, Atlanta was 85-84. Including 32-53 at home and 53-31 on the road. Atlanta eliminated the Brewers 4-1 and the Dodgers 4-2.
Left fielder Eddie Rosario has been on a tear in the postseason. To show, Rosario is hitting .474 with an OPS of 1.313. He has six runs, three home runs, and 11 runs batted in. And then closer Will Smith has been dominant with four saves in four chances with a 2-0 record and 0.00 earned run average.
Houston Astros
Houston brings a record of 102-70. MLB metrics show the Astros ranked 1st for run production and 7th for earned run average. On the road, Houston was 47-39 and 46-33-7 over/under. At home, Houston was 55-31 and 40-46 over/under. With the run line, the Astros were 82-90. Including 40-46 at home and 42-44 on the road. Houston eliminated the White Sox 3-1 and the Red Sox 4-2.
Houston manager Dusty Baker, age 72, has done everything a player and manager can do but for one thing. He's never won a World Series as a manager. Of course, Baker has been a successful manager for several teams. He's just never attained the final prize. Last time he led a team to the World Series was in 2002 with Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants. Thus, one of MLB's most accomplished managers has a chance to complete an already stellar resume.
Right fielder Kyle Tucker has powered the Astros in the postseason. In sum, Tucker is hitting .275 with a .934 OPS. Tucker has nine runs, two doubles, four home runs, 15 runs batted in. Closer Ryan Pressly was hardly needed in the postseason. Overall, in the regular season, he was 5-2 with a 2.25 earned run average. Pressly saved 26 games in 28 opportunities.
Atlanta Braves vs. Houston Astros Prediction
In this situation, Atlanta is the quality underdog in every sense of the word. Further, the Braves are playing their best baseball when it matters most. That is not to sell the Astros short. Houston has impressed in every way as well. Thus, we have two even teams in this matchup. With that in mind, the underdog makes the most sense.
BookMaker Pick: Atlanta Braves
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