The stage has been set for the culmination of a thrilling MLB Postseason. Game 1 of the 2021 World Series is scheduled for Tuesday night. The NL East Division Champion Atlanta Braves are making their first appearance in the Fall Classic since 1999. They’ll take on the Houston Astros, who return to the World Series four years removed from winning it all in 2017. Fans and bettors alike are advised to buckle up for what should be a thrilling series! The MLB betting odds have installed the home team as a small favorite for tonight’s Braves vs Astros matchup.
This MLB betting preview for Braves vs Astros World Series Game 1 includes game info, projected starting pitchers, betting odds, trends and a prediction for tonight’s series-opener.
Atlanta Braves vs Houston Astros Betting Preview and Prediction | MLB World Series Game 1
World Series Game 1
Atlanta Braves (88-73, 46-35 Away) vs. Houston Astros (95-67, 51-30 Home)
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2021
Time: 8:09 p.m. EST
Venue: Minute Maid Park — Houston, TX
Coverage: FOX
Braves vs Astros Starting Pitchers
Braves: Charlie Morton (14-6, 3.34 ERA)
Astros: Framber Valdez (11-6, 3.14 ERA)
Atlanta Braves Preview
The Braves went into their National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers as the biggest MLB betting playoff series underdogs ever to have home-field advantage. Atlanta advancing on to the World Series quite literally defied the odds. It has been a long and winding road for the Braves this season. Injuries to key contributors saw them sitting below .500 for much of the early portion of the season. That didn’t stop GM Alex Anthopoulos from making moves at the trade deadline.
The fruits of those deals have certainly been born out in the postseason. NLCS MVP Eddie Rosario was the Game 6 hero for Atlanta with his go-ahead three-run homer. Along with Joc Pederson, Adam Duvall and the returning Jorge Soler, Rosario was part of a completely remade Braves outfield in the wake of Ronald Acuna Jr.’s season-ending injury. Of course, Atlanta’s star-studded infield has contributed plenty of offense during this postseason run as well. Austin Riley drove in the other Atlanta run in the NLCS-clinching Game 6 win. Star first baseman Freddie Freeman has spent his entire MLB career in a Braves uniform. Now, he is going to the World Series for the first time.
Manager Brian Snitker will turn to right-hander Charlie Morton as his Game 1 starter on Tuesday. The veteran has plenty of postseason experience and has been superb for Atlanta during this run. He should be well-rested to open the World Series after only pitching once in the NLCS. Morton shut down the Astros in each of his ALCS starts against them last year to help the Tampa Bay Rays reach the World Series. Expect to see left-hander Tyler Matzek out of the Braves’ bullpen at some point in this MLB betting series-opener as well.
Houston Astros Preview
After falling down two games to one in their American League Championship Series matchup against the Boston Red Sox, the Astros rattled off three convincing wins in a row to reach the World Series for the second time in five seasons. While many fans still associate Houston’s 2017 championship with the sign-stealing scandal, the vast majority of the Astros roster has actually turned over in the seasons since. The core offensive pieces do remain, led by Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa. Alex Bregman struggled a bit during this year’s postseason but came up huge with two hits in the ALCS-clinching Game 6 win.
Despite the presence of that daunting big three in the lineup, it has actually been outfielder Kyle Tucker who has been Houston’s most consistent offensive piece during these playoffs. Tucker homered again in Game 6 against Boston to help ice the Astros’ win away. Yordan Alvarez was also red-hot at the plate throughout the ALCS for Houston. A lineup that lacks a single easy out is one reason why the Astros are MLB betting favorites to win the World Series.
The real reason why Houston was able to shift the momentum in the ALCS was their starting pitching. After getting roughed up in Games 1 and 2, Framber Valdez and Luis Garcia rebounded in a big way in Games 5 and 6. Valdez shut the potent Boston lineup down to the tune of just three hits and one run allowed over eight dominant innings. Dusty Baker will call on him in tonight’s World Series opener once again. The Astros will remain without Lance McCullers Jr. for the Fall Classic. He hasn’t pitched since the ALDS after suffering a muscular injury. Baker’s starting rotation will be interesting to track as the series progresses.
Braves vs Astros MLB Betting Odds
MLB betting odds for Braves vs Astros are taken from BetMGM Sportsbook.
Moneyline: ATL: (+115) | HOU: (-135)
Run Line: ATL: +1.5 (-185) | HOU: -1.5 (+150)
Total: 8.5 — Over: (-105) | Under: (-115)
Public (Spread) Betting via Action Network: ATL: (51%) | HOU: (49%)
Odds to Win the World Series: ATL: (+120) | HOU: (-145)
Braves vs Astros MLB Betting Trends
- Braves are 15-4 straight up in their last 19 games.
- Four of the Braves’ last five games have gone over the total.
- Astros are 6-1 straight up in their last seven home games.
- Eight of the Astros’ last nine games have gone over the total.
- Astros have won each of their last five head-to-head matchups against the Braves.
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Braves vs Astros Stats
- Atlanta is averaging 4.85 RPG this season (T-No. 8 in the MLB).
- Atlanta is surrendering 4.03 RPG this season (No. 5 in the MLB).
- Houston is averaging 5.41 runs per game (RPG) this season (No. 1 in the MLB).
- Houston is surrendering 4.09 RPG this season (T-No. 7 in the MLB).
Braves vs Astros Weather Report
Note: This game will be played indoors.
Braves vs Astros Prediction
The Braves vs Astros MLB betting prediction uses NumberFire’s probability model. They give Houston a 53.6% chance to win Game 1 of this World Series matchup.
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