Free World Series Prediction: Astros vs Dodgers Odds
Looking for Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers 2017 World Series free series prediction & preview? Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all MLB baseball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily MLB predictions.
2017 World Series Free Series Picks & Odds
- Houston +120 / Los Angeles -140
- Live MLB Odds
- Updated Sportsbook Bonuses For Today
- Game 1 Pitching Matchup: Dallas Keuchel LHP 2-1 2.60 ERA vs. Clayton Kershaw LHP 2-0 3.63 ERA
The Astros sprinted out to the front of the American League just before the Dodgers started steamrolling the NL. Both teams had by far the best record in their respective league at the All-Star Break and then led baseball fans to question their candidacy with run of prolonged losing.
We will forever weight the latest information more heavily than that of the past, but this year’s World Series matchup is a good reminder that we mustn’t just consider what’s happened lately.
Both these teams dominated for the longest stretch of any of the great teams in baseball this season, yet entered the playoffs as skeptical favorites, at best. Now in the last week of October, they are the last two teams standing.
2017 World Series Schedule
- Tue., Oct. 24: World Series Game 1, American League champion at Dodgers, 8 p.m. Fox
- Wed. Oct. 25: World Series Game 2, American League champion at Dodgers, 8 p.m. Fox
- Fri. Oct. 27: World Series Game 3, Dodgers at American League champion, 8 p.m. Fox
- Sat. Oct. 28: World Series Game 4, Dodgers at American League champion, 8 p.m. Fox
- Sun. Oct. 29: World Series Game 5*, Dodgers at American League champion, 8 p.m. Fox
- Tue. Oct. 31: World Series Game 6*, American League champion at Dodgers, 8 p.m. Fox
- Wed. Nov. 1: World Series Game 7*, American League champion at Dodgers, 8 p.m. Fox
* If necessary
2017 World Series Free Series Prediction: Offense
Let’s start with Houston, which found just enough of its offensive self to rally in the final two games at Minute Maid Park to oust the Yankees in seven games.
It didn’t look like it would matter who the other side threw up there when the Astros were battering every pitcher the Red Sox had in the ALDS, but the Yankees held them in check throughout the series with starting pitching that Joe Girardi didn’t overdo and a lot of different, quality looks out of the bullpen.
Houston scored just eight runs combined in three of its wins. The Astros advanced, not because of their offense, but because of two great outings from Justin Verlander, one from Dallas Keuchel and another by the combo of Charlie Morton and Lance McCullers.
Check out the free sports picks for today from Cappers Picks!
On the road, against the Dodgers, that won’t be enough. Houston has to put up runs and it has to put up runs in a variety of ways. This isn’t just a team that hits home runs (though it has been known to hit them on occasion); it’s a complete offense that works counts, puts the ball in play, hits situationally and takes extra bases.
There isn’t anything special the Astros have to try to do against the Dodgers; it will come down to confidence, which is most influenced by recent performance. If these last two wins in Houston were enough to jumpstart the offense to play well on the road in Game 1, Houston could catch the Dodgers right away in the top of the first and build a wave of momentum from there.
The Dodgers averaged five runs per game in their first three victories over the Cubs, then were shutdown in Game 4 before Enrique Hernandez’s three homers and seven RBIs in the clincher.
LA had the fortune to go up against a Cubs’ pitching staff that could have used a couple of days before the NLCS began and the Dodgers’ offense did exactly what it needed to do, working counts and jumping on the starters early so as not to give the bullpen any chance to recuperate.
Word is Corey Seager will be back for the start of this series after back problems held him out of the LCS. Charlie Culberson filled in admirably, going 5-for-11 in the series with the Cubs, but Seager is a steady force in an offense that needs all its pieces.
There isn’t one guy, or even a few, that this team depends on, which is a strength that can at times work against it. Right now, Justin Turner is setting the pace. If he has another big series, it’s hard to envision the Dodgers losing.
Edge: Houston Astros
Despite what’s happened already, against neutral pitching, the Astros are the better offensive club. But they are younger will have to do it against a beastly Dodgers pitching staff.
2017 World Series Free Series Prediction: Pitching
Justin Verlander threw on Friday night so he probably won’t be available until Game 2 on Wednesday. All signs point to Dallas Keuchel on full rest in Game 1 on Tuesday.
That should work out just fine for Houston but it doesn’t give those guys any extra days of rest like the Dodgers’ staff will have. Dave Roberts will come back with Clayton Kershaw in Game 1, like he has in the two rounds prior.
This will be Kershaw’s opportunity to cement his legacy, if he hasn’t already, and I love his chances to do that because he doesn’t seem concerned with it. For him, he’s pitching in the World Series and he’ll enjoy it like the laid-back Cali boy he’s become (he was born in Texas). From there, Roberts will turn to either Yu Darvish or Rich Hill on more than enough rest.
Check out the free sports picks from Cappers Picks experts today!
Then there is LA’s bullpen, which has been nearly unhittable in the playoffs. Kenley Jansen and Kenta Maeda have combined to throw 13 scoreless innings, rendering two hits, one walk and 19 strikeouts.
As it looks now, if you’re down after seven against the Dodgers, you’re out. Tony Cingrani, Josh Fields and Ross Stripling also have a 0.00 ERA in four innings.
Edge: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Astros have horses too, but the Dodgers have more.
2017 World Series Free Series Prediction: Astros vs. Dodgers
I really think the top of the first is a huge inning in this series, which makes this matchup even more exciting than it should be. But I believe in Kershaw and Dave Roberts, who has been managing like a World Series Champion not just for the playoffs but the entire season.
2017 World Series Prediction: Los Angeles in 6
If you’re looking for more picks like this 2017 World Series Free Series Prediction featuring the Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers matchup we’ll be providing 4* free MLB plays on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free MLB Baseball picks!
Check out our Updated MLB Betting Odds.