Rangers-Diamondbacks World Series Game 3 prediction, odds, best bets
If not for a late meltdown in Game 1, the Diamondbacks could be in cruise control of the MLB World Series heading home for Monday’s Game 3.
However, Arizona will take the split in Texas after routing the Rangers in Saturday’s Game 2 by a resounding 9-1 score.
Now, the D’backs return to Phoenix for the next three games and a golden opportunity to lock up the franchise’s first World Series title since 2001.
The task won’t be easy against a Rangers squad that owns a perfect 8-0 road record in the playoffs, including capturing Games 6 and 7 at Houston in the American League Championship Series.
Three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer takes the mound for the Rangers in Game 3 to face the team that drafted him in 2006.
Scherzer hasn’t looked like his dominant self in two playoff starts after missing a month with a shoulder injury.
The right-hander allowed seven runs and nine hits in only 6 ²/₃ innings in the ALCS, but Texas managed to win Game 7 of the ALCS in spite of Scherzer being pulled in the third inning.
Brandon Pfaadt counters for Arizona as the young right-hander has made a name for himself in the postseason. Pfaadt started Game 7 of the NLCS against the Phillies and struck out seven batters in four innings of a 4-2 win.
Pfaadt has been impressive at Chase Field in the postseason, beating the Dodgers and Phillies and not allowing a run in 10 innings.
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It’s tough to go against Texas on the road in the playoffs, but it’s hard to think Scherzer will revert back to ace form, at least for now.
Let’s back Arizona in Game 3 to beat Texas.
Top Play: Arizona -110
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