MLB Probable Pitchers for Monday, October 31(Who's Starting Game 3 of the World Series?)
By Ben Heisler
We're guaranteed a full three-game series this week in Philadelphia as the Phillies host the Houston Astros for Games 3-5 of the 2022 World Series beginning on Monday night.
The Phillies stormed back from a 5-0 deficit in Game 1, knocking out the likely American League Cy Young winner in Justin Verlander to come all the way back; defeating Houston in extra innings 6-5.
In Game 2, the Astros' bats responded, as Phillies' starter Zack Wheeler allowed five runs (four earned) in just five innings to Houston, while Framber Valdez carved up Philadelphia with nine strikeouts and just one earned run through 6.1 innings.
With the series all tied up, oddsmakers still have the Astros as nearly 2/1 favorites despite the Phillies stealing away home field advantage.
Via MLB.com, the winner of Game 3 in a best-of-seven playoff series has won that series 69% of the time, going 68 of 98.
Here's your first look at tonight's Game 3 starters of the World Series from Philadelphia.
Houston Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies Probable Pitchers for World Series Game 3
- Astros: Lance McCullers Jr. - RHP (0-0, 2.45 ERA)
- Phillies: Noah Syndergaard - RHP (0-0, 1.69 ERA)
McCullers has made two postseason starts without a record to his name, but the results have been somewhat mixed despite the overall numbers looking sharp.
In his first game, McCullers was brilliant vs. the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS, shutting them down with just two hits and seven strikeouts in six shutout innings. However in his most recent start in New York, he gave up eight hits in five innings to the Yankees allowing four runs (three earned) in the process.
All of McCullers' postseason starts have come on the road this year. During the regular season, he was far superior at home with a 1.50 ERA in 30 innings, allowing a batting average against of only .178. On the road, his ERA rose more than two full runs to 3.57 ERA as opponents hit .268 against McCullers.
Dusty Baker on Lance McCullers, Jr going Game 3: “This is a very big game. I figure he can keep the ball in the ballpark pretty good with his sinker and his slider. He holds runners on pretty good. Which they generally try to run a lot.”
— Julia Morales (@JuliaMorales) October 30, 2022
As for Syndergaard, no props have been set for him at this point as he'll likely be used in an "opener" role for the postseason. The veteran right-hander has made three appearances this postseason, starting just one game vs. the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS where he lasted three innings, striking out three batters and giving up just a solo home run.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.