World Series Game 3 Preview: Astros Face Tough Odds Against Nationals [Start Time, Odds, Channel Info]

The World Series has not gone well for the Houston Astros. They are down 0-2 going into the weekend after playing the first two games at home. Washington Nationals will put Anibal Sanchez on the mound while the Astros bring out Zack Greinke once again.

The last team to come back from  0-2 in the World Series was the New York Yankees in 1996. Making it more difficult, they have to tie the series while playing away from home.

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Major League Baseball broke records this year with home runs, yet pitching stats also went up. The Washington Nationals were not necessarily favorites going into this World Series against the defending World Champions, but they featured three pitchers that averaged over 240 strikeouts each (Stephen Strasburg 251, Max Schrerzer 243, Patrick Corbin 238).

In comparison, the Astros’ top three have averaged an unprecedented 271 strikeouts (Greinke 187, Garret Cole 326 and Justin Velander 300). Each had a sub-3.00 ERA as well. Vegas must be losing quite a bit of money this October.

Many thought this would be a ‘rubber match’ with games decided on the pitching mound, but it has not turned out that way. Twenty-four runs have been scored between both teams in two games (to be fair, 17 of those have been by the Nationals).

With the loss of 2015 MVP Bryce Harper, the Nationals were not on many people’s radar as the post-season offensive firepowers Astros, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. The Astros led or finished in the top three in almost every single offensive category this season (only missing in triples). While the Nats only placed in the top three in one.

So it’s quite a surprise that they have given Cole his first loss since May, and Greinke a shelling he hasn’t had in awhile as well. With such youngsters as Juan Soto who was left out of the All-Star team this year (the Astros had six All-Stars) the Nats have a lot to look forward to since they have quite a young roster.

Sanchez, the Nationals starter for Friday, was not in the top three conversation because, although he had a pretty good season, it was nothing to the level of his three teammates. But he’s become a beast in the postseason. In two games, he had 12.2 innings pitched with only one run allowed, 14 strikeouts and only three walks. We will see if Greinke bounces back and if the formidable Astros bats wake up, or if the Nationals continue their Cinderella season.

Crucial game three of the series is tonight at 7:10 p.m. EST.