Phillies Astros Predictions and Odds

The Philadelphia Phillies will try and delay elimination in Game 6 of the World Series on Saturday. The series shifts back to Minute Maid Park in Texas after the Houston Astros won 3-2 in a thrilling Game 5.

It only took nine World Series starts, but future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander finally got his first win in a pivotal Game 5. After serving up a leadoff home run to Phillies LF Kyle Schwarber, the 16-year veteran was sharp, tossing five innings of one-run ball with six punchouts.

Houston SS Jeremy Pena continued his torrid postseason, singling in a run in the first and later hitting a solo shot in the fourth to give the Astros the lead for good.

The dramatics came in the late innings, with Dusty Baker's defense coming up clutch. With two on and two out in the eighth, Schwarber hit a sharp grounder to first that was destined for extra bases.

Instead, Trey Mancini stabbed it on a one-hop while falling to the ground. In the ninth, J.T. Realmuto hit a deep fly to the right center wall, only for Chas McCormick to make a leaping grab in front of a packed crowd.

The Astros are just one win away from their second championship and their first that doesn't have an asterisk attached. The last time they had a 3-2 World Series lead, they lost in seven to the Washington Nationals.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros Betting Odds

Team	Spread	Over/Under	Moneyline
Philadelphia Phillies	+1.5	o6.5	+130
Houston Astros	-1.5	u6.5	-140

All Lines Provided By SuperBook Sportsbook

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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros Starting Matchup

Co-ace Zack Wheeler will get the ball as the Phillies are on the brink of elimination. Wheeler started Game 2 in Houston but was walloped, allowing five runs, four earned, on six hits and three walks.

With concerns centered around the righties' dip in velocity, manager Rob Thompson elected to give the star an extra day of rest, explaining the six days between starts. The former All-Star had yet another solid year in Philadelphia, posting a 2.82 ERA and 163 strikeouts over 153 innings.

Prior to his poor outing in Game 2, Wheeler was exceptional in his first postseason run. Even with a 7.20 World Series ERA, his playoff earned run average sits at a pretty 2.67. Last Saturday was his only start against Houston in his career.

The reliable Framber Valdez will toe the rubber for the Astros. He made his first All-Star team in 2022 but has had an All-Star caliber career buoyed by his 3.38 ERA over five seasons.

He was stellar in Game 2, opposite Zack Wheeler. Valdez hurled 6.1 innings, allowing one run while striking out nine. He's been a star for the 'Stros this postseason, posting a 1.42 ERA over 19 innings. He has owned the Phillies in his career, albeit in only two starts.

Besides Game 2, Valdez faced the Phillies in the regular season, throwing five shutout innings while punching out ten. He is a career 20-9 in the regular season at home with a 3.49 ERA and 1.29 WHIP.

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Philadephia Phillies vs. Houston Astros Betting Prediction

Look, I hate the Astros as much as the next guy. I hope they don't win, but does one extra day of rest fix all the problems for Zack Wheeler?

Meanwhile, Valdez has struck out 19 Phillies in 11.1 innings this year. They can't hit the guy. Call it an emotional hedge, but the clever play is taking an Astros team full steam ahead of their second and first legitimate (time will tell) World Series title.

Worst case scenario, the Phillies win, and I hate Houston even more, AND we get a Game 7.