Wednesday’s Game 5 might be the last baseball game for a good five months unless Arizona has some magic left. Bettors, you’re going to want to read this preview of Game 5. We’re laying out our best bets for the World Series game right here so stick with us.
- What: MLB World Series Game 5
- When: Wednesday, November 1
- Where: Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona
- How to Watch: FOX (start time is 8:03 pm EST)
World Series Game 5 Preview
The Rangers are one win away from delivering the first World Series title in the franchise’s 50-year history. Texas took a commanding 3-1 series lead with a blowout performance in Game 3, winning 11-7. The final score makes the game appear closer than it actually was because the Rangers were up 10-0 at the end of three innings which sets up this do-or-die World Series Game 5 for the Diamondbacks.
Before the series began, we all knew Texas’ biggest strength was its bats, and how deep they go. Yet, they were tempered in three games, scoring only 10 runs before the Game 4 explosion. Might we add Game 4 was done without its top hitter, Adolis Garcia. The ALCS MVP injured himself in Game 3 and is being shut down the rest of the way.
The Rangers offensive outburst on Tuesday was historically good. They poured five runs each in the second and third innings — all with two outs, no less — becoming the first team in World Series history to plate five runs or more in consecutive innings. Those Texas bats are red-hot, plain and simple.
Zac Gallen is tasked with cooling off those bats in Game 5. He’s been the Diamondbacks’ No. 1 ace all year long and enters this one on full days rest (he pitched Game 1 on Friday). The issue is that Gallen has faltered in the postseason. His ERA is only 5.27 — a far cry from his regular-season ERA of 3.47. The All-Star Game starter needs to bring his best stuff if Arizona is going to have any chance in this one.
One benefit of the Dbacks being blown out Tuesday is its bullpen is also well-rested now. Once Game 4 got out of hand, Ryne Nelson went a full five innings in relief. The bullpen’s other top arms — Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel, and Paul Sewald — didn’t have to step in to record meaningless outs.
Nathan Eovaldi will get the nod for Texas. He’s been a lucky charm this whole postseason as Eovaldi started the clinching game of the ALDS and ALCS. Amazingly, over his career, Eovaldi’s team is 10-1 when he starts. He has a 3.52 ERA this season and similarly, a 3.10 postseason ERA over his career. The man is simply clutch.
Best Bets For MLB World Series Game 5
There’s an array of Game 5 World Series bets available at the most-used betting sites for baseball. Out of all those options, our money is going behind the two listed below:
Moneyline
The ML line is dead even. Bettors have a pick’em option, as seen below:
| Outcome |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Arizona | -110 | -110 | -110 |
We won’t mince words here: Arizona is done for. Surely, many said that in the NLCS when they went down 3-2 to Philadelphia with the final two games on the road. They defied those odds, but this 3-1 hole will be harder to overcome. In the Fall Classic, 42 of the last 49 teams up 3-1 have gone on to win. The last team to pull off the comeback? The 2016 Cubs.
Our lack of confidence in the Diamondbacks is two-folded. One, its offense hasn’t done a whole lot this series besides some garbage-time runs last night. Two, starting pitcher Gallen looks tired. He’s past 273 innings in the regular season and playoffs combined, the most of his career, which might explain his downtrend. We just don’t see anyone playing hero for Arizona. Texas’ moneyline is the bet to make in Game 5.
Over/Under
Let’s also bet on the Diamondbacks-Rangers over/under. It’s set at 8.5 runs either the over being the marginal favorite:
| Outcome | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 8.5 runs | -115 | -115 | -115 |
| Under 8.5 runs | -105 | -105 | -105 |
Our immediate thought was to “ride the hot hand” and take the over given the offensive outburst we just saw out of Texas. But we really see Arizona throwing everything they have at their disposal to at least keep them in check. Like we said, both Gallen and the bullpen have the benefit of rest. Our feeling is this game goes under 8.5 runs.
How To Bet On World Series Game 5?
If our predictions are correct, then Wednesday’s matchup will be your last real MLB betting opportunity until next season’s opening day around April 1 (we aren’t counting preseason). Knowing that, are you not going to seize the opportunity to bet on World Series Game 5? We hope not, especially after we’ve laid down two winning picks.
To drop your bets, we recommend one of the sites below. Anyone listed will do as they’re top-rated in our latest sportsbook reviews anyway. While you’re at these sites, look into the lucrative sign-up bonuses being offered. Every site will have one with rewards being hundreds to thousands of dollars in free play — money that can be spent on World Series betting!
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