Arizona traveled into Philadelphia’s hostile confines of Citizens Bank Park to win the final two games of the National League Championship Series, and the public is siding with the Diamondbacks to keep their road streak alive in Game 1 of the World Series.
The D-backs’ moneyline has moved from +125 to +140 at BetMGM, where Arizona has drawn 64 percent of the total bets while the money wagered has been even ahead of Friday night’s World Series opener in Arlington, Texas.
However, the Rangers have been the heavy run-line pick at -1.5, drawing 74 percent of the bets and 76 percent of the money wagered at the book. Texas is also a 1.5-run favorite at DraftKings and BetRivers.
“Either team winning is a positive result for the sportsbook with our top five liabilities eliminated from the playoffs,” BetMGM senior trader Halvor Egeland said.
QUICK PICK
The two wild card teams have continued to defy the odds throughout the postseason. In fact, the Rangers reached the World Series despite losing all three home games to Houston during the American League Championship Series.
Arizona right-hander Zac Gallen allowed nine runs in 11 innings during the NLCS, and is going up against Texas’ Nathan Eovaldi, who has a significant experience edge with his postseason history including three relief outings in the 2018 World Series.
Prediction: Rangers 5, Diamondbacks 3
THE NEWS
Eovaldi (4-0, 2.42 ERA) is aiming to become the first pitcher to win five starts in the playoffs. Randy Johnson (2001), Francisco Rodriguez (2002) and Stephen Strasburg (2019) have recorded five wins in a single postseason, but each of the three pocketed a victory in relief.
Eovaldi, 33, allowed two runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings in a 9-2 victory over the Astros in Game 6 of the ALCS on Sunday. The Texas native has struck out 28 batters against just four walks in 26 innings in the postseason.
Eovaldi was the loser of the epic 18-inning Game 3 in 2018 when he served up Max Muncy’s walk-off homer. Eovaldi allowed two runs (one earned) and three hits in six-plus innings of relief in that game.
“Obviously I’m very grateful for the past experiences. Just being able to participate and get into the World Series was big. I kind of had my moment there,” Eovaldi said on Thursday.
“But coming in, having Game 1, trying to set a tone for the team, there’s a lot of pressure with that, but also a lot of excitement. But definitely ready for this opportunity to go out there, compete against a really good lineup.”
NLCS MVP Ketel Marte carries a 16-game hitting streak in the postseason into Friday’s opener. Another hit on Friday will put Marte with Manny Ramirez, Derek Jeter and Hank Bauer as the lone players to notch a hit in 17 consecutive playoff games.
Marte went 6-for-14 and joined Christian Walker in belting three homers to help the Diamondbacks win three of four games against the Rangers this season.
Gallen, 28, will try to turn the page from a pair of tough outings in the NLCS when he makes his World Series debut. He allowed five homers among the 14 hits the Phillies racked up against him.
“I think for me I said it after the two starts, just lack of execution, really,” Gallen said. “So for me, just trying to execute a little bit better and give us a chance to win, really.
“No secret, I feel like I didn’t help the guys that much. So I’m looking to try and pull my weight this time around.”
Gallen struck out 11 batters and allowed one run in six innings of a 6-3 victory over Texas on Aug. 22. He is 1-1 with a 3.57 ERA in three career starts vs. the Rangers.
Gallen will need to tread carefully around ALCS MVP Adolis Garcia and Corey Seager. Garcia went 10-for-28 (.357) with five homers and 15 RBIs in the ALCS, while Seager is 15-for-45 (.333) with three homers, six RBIs and 12 runs during the postseason.
PROP PICK
Eovaldi Over 15.5 Outs (-120 at BetMGM): This has been the most popular player prop ahead of Game 1. Eovaldi has been outstanding throughout the postseason, and he’ll need to put together a quality start with at least six strong innings for the Rangers to keep their grip on home-field advantage.
KEY STAT
Eovaldi owns a 3-0 mark with a 2.78 ERA in eight career appearances (five starts) against the Diamondbacks.
THEY SAID IT
–“When we hear those things, they’re out there. And we just put it on our list and keep those receipts and walk around with a little bit more of a chip on our shoulder. It gives you a little bit more motivation. And when you can get a little bit more, you take it.” –Arizona manager Torey Lovullo on critics who question the Diamondbacks’ legitimacy following an 84-win regular season.
–“We really didn’t talk about it. We weren’t concerned with what people thought of us. We thought we were good. We thought we belonged and we thought we could win and that’s how we looked at it.” –Texas manager Bruce Bochy on whether the Rangers have been motivated by their underdog status during the postseason.
–Field Level Media