The World Series is finally here, and the showdown between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers that can be seen on FOX and the FOX Sports app should be epic.
The Rangers defeating Houston in seven games prevented the Astros from winning back-to-back Fall Classics. It also meant that legendary Mattress Mack lost out on millions after making a huge seven-figure bet on the reigning champs.
And then there are the underdog Diamondbacks. Arizona’s postseason campaign marks one of MLB’s most unlikely playoff runs.
From a betting perspective, this series is already shaping up to be a classic.
If you are ready to throw a few bucks down on the Fall Classic, FOX Sports’ betting analysts — Sam Panayotovich (aka Sammy P), Jason McIntyre, Geoff Schwartz and Chris Fallica — are here to give you their best bets for the matchup between the Rangers and the Diamondbacks.
(All times 8:03 p.m. ET)
GAME 1
Diamondbacks (Zac Gallen, 17-9, 3.47 ERA) @ Rangers (Nathan Eovaldi, 12-5, 3.63), Friday, FOX and FOX Sports app
Spread: Rangers -1.5 (Rangers favored to win by more than 1.5 runs; otherwise, Diamondbacks cover)
Moneyline: Rangers -166 favorites to win (bet $10 to win $16.02 total); Diamondbacks +141 underdogs to win (bet $10 to win $24.10 total)
Total runs Over/Under: 8 runs scored by both teams combined
GAME 2
Diamondbacks @ Rangers, Saturday, FOX and FOX Sports app
GAME 3
Rangers @ Diamondbacks, Monday, FOX and FOX Sports app
GAME 4
Rangers @ Diamondbacks, Tuesday, FOX and FOX Sports app
GAME 5 (if necessary)
Rangers @ Diamondbacks, Wednesday, FOX and FOX Sports app
GAME 6 (if necessary)
Diamondbacks @ Rangers, Nov. 3, FOX and FOX Sports app
GAME 7 (if necessary)
Diamondbacks @ Rangers, Nov. 4, FOX and FOX Sports app
Pick via Wagering Expect Chris “The Bear” Fallica:
“I do think this will be a short series and if that’s the case, I’d have to side with the team that probably has the better pitching at the top of the rotation, and that’s Arizona, with Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and the emergence of Brandon Pfaadt. And who knows what Texas has after Jordan Montgomery and Nathan Eovaldi? Max Scherzer certainly can’t be trusted.
“There are seemingly a 1,000 reasons why the Snakes shouldn’t be here — needed a Cubs collapse, were down 3-0 and 2-0 in the games against the Brewers, lost 17 of 20 at one point in July and August.
“But they are here, have no fear and, as this postseason has shown, the new playoff format has produced totally random results. And the Diamondbacks couldn’t care less if they become known as the worst World Series champion ever.”
PICK: Arizona (-1.5 games, +245) to win the World Series
Pick via Gambling Analyst Sam Panayotovich:
“Odds are good you didn’t like ‘em against the Brewers, Dodgers and Phillies. Are you willing to put some respect on the Diamondbacks now?!
“Give me Arizona at +145.”
PICK: Arizona (+145) to win the World Series
Pick via FOX Sports Betting Analyst Jason McIntyre:
“The hot hand is a thing in the postseason, right? Nobody’s hotter than Adolis García, who decimated Houston pitching with five home runs in the final four games of the series. With 20 RBIs in the postseason, all he needs is two more to break the MLB postseason record.
“MVP voters love record-setters.”
PICK: Rangers (+390) 4-2 series score
PICK: Adolis García (+550) to win World Series MVP
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