The World Series between Houston and Philadelphia is all tied up a 2-2. Who has the edge the rest of the way? You’ll want to read this to find out cause we’re giving you the most up-to-date betting pick on who wins the 2022 MLB title. Check this out before Game 5 starts!
2022 World Series Recap
As we recap the 2022 World Series, it's obvious that momentum has been the name of the game after four games. The Phillies seized it in Game 1, winning an extra-time battle to seize home-field advantage right away from the Astros. Houston answered back in Game 2. When the series head up north to Philadelphia for the next two games, that’s when things got really interesting. First, it was Houston that was shut out in Game 3 (following a rain-out) but then it was the Phillies that did so in Game 4.
However, Philadelphia didn’t just get blanked on the scorecard last time out, it got no hit too — inside their home ball park. Christian Javier started and went six innings deep without a hit. Three different relief pitchers followed to combine for the no-no. This is the 19th combined no-hitter in MLB history, but the first of its kind in the playoffs.
If getting dominated like that while up 2-1 in the series and playing in the friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park isn’t deflating to the Phillies, then we don’t know what is. Philadelphia gave up home-field advantage with the defeat. Game 5 will be played there, but if the Phillies are to become world champions they’ll need to steal at least one more win in Houston.
This back-and-forth battle has swung the World Series odds in all directions. However, here are the latest series odds to win it all, per the top-used betting sites for baseball:
| Team |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Astros | -205 | -205 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | +175 | +175 |
2022 World Series Winner Prediction
Thursday’s Game 5 that’ll break the series tie is absolutely crucial. Let’s begin there because it’ll help predict which team becomes the 2022 World Series winner.
Philadelphia is giving Noah Syndergaard the starting nod — not No. 2 pitcher Zack Wheeler who typically follows Game 4 starter, Aaron Nola. Wheeler’s velocity was lacking in Game 2, which is why Phillies manager Rob Thompson opted to give him an extra day of rest. Syndergaard hasn’t thrown more than 35 pitches in any of his three playoff appearances this year, which likely means Philadelphia will have to go deep into its bullpen to get through Game 5.
A pitcher-by-committee choice is likely not what’s in the cards for the Astros come Game 5. They’re going with their ace and soon-to-be Cy Young winner Justin Verlander. This might be Verlander’s last-ever start with Houston with his contract having an opt-out clause in the offseason. Verlander has done it all in his illustrious career except one thing: win a World Series game. He’s winless in eight career starts.
Honestly, this feels like a legacy game for Verlander. He has the resume to be called the best pitcher of the century but needs that clutch World Series win to seal the deal. Welp, Game 5 on the road with the series knotted up 2-2, is as pressure-cooker of a situation as it gets. One win here and his past World Series flubs can be erased.
Our money is on Verlander to “exorcise his demons.” Yes, he’s been bad historically (Verlander owns the highest ERA of any pitcher to throw at least 30 innings in the Fall Classic) but that should just be more fuel for the all-timer on Thursday night. We got the 39-year-old Verlander making a statement in Game 5 and helping the Astors go up 3-2.
If so, that would put the Phillies in an extremely precarious position — having to need two road wins to become World Series champs. Maybe they can steal one win, but not two, not against a completely-stacked Astros side. And you also have to factor in the confidence loss of being no-hit. Philadelphia’s lineup has been its strength, but we’re not so sure that’s the case anymore. That’s why we’re confident in our Astros-in-six prediction.
How To Watch 2022 MLB World Series
Dare we say the rest of the 2022 World Series is must-watch TV? Yeah, we’d say so. We mean, it’s a best-of-three to determine the world champion in a razor-thin series. Here’s the remaining schedule and start times for watching:
- Game 5: Astros at Phillies (8:03 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3; Fox)
- Game 6: Phillies at Astros, (8:03 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5; FOX)
- Game 7 (if necessary): Phillies at Astros (8:03 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6; Fox)
How To Bet 2022 MLB World Series
Want to bet on the 2022 World Series? If you’ve read this far, then you must want to. Welp, you can easily do so by visiting one of the online sportsbooks listed underneath. These sites have ALL the World Series bets — moneylines, run lines, props, you name it and it’s there for the taking. Read our in-depth sportsbook reviews in case you need help picking one bookmaker to bet at.
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