The Washington Nationals are playing host to the Houston Astros in Game 5 of the World Series. The series is currently tied 2-2, and the matchup will be nationally televised on Fox. The game gets underway 8:07 p.m. ET.

Houston Astros vs. Washington Nationals Odds

Gerrit Cole is getting the nod for the visiting Astros. The right-handed Cole is 20-5 with a 2.50 ERA and 326 strikeouts. He has yet to face the Nationals this year and did not record a start against them in 2018, either.

The Nationals are turning to Max Scherzer (11-7, 2.92 ERA). Scherzer has 243 strikeouts and 33 walks, along with a WHIP of 1.03. Scherzer did not register a start against the Astros in 2018.

Behind a team slash line of .231/.309/.388, the Astros have averaged 4.0 runs scored through 15 postseason games. The Nationals are hitting .246/.323/.392 through 14 games and the team has managed 4.6 runs in this year’s playoffs.

The Nationals bullpen has registered a postseason ERA of 4.71 and a WHIP of 1.38, while Astros relievers have a 4.07 ERA and 1.52 WHIP.

Houston’s offensive production has been powered by outfielder Michael Brantley and first baseman Yuli Gurriel, who collectively have belted 55 home runs. Brantley is slashing .312/.374/.491 with 23 home runs, 94 RBIs and 95 runs scored, while Gurriel is hitting .291 with 32 homers, 115 RBIs and 87 runs scored.

The Nationals’ hitters have been led by third baseman Anthony Rendon and right fielder Adam Eaton. Rendon is hitting .320/.412/.591 with 35 home runs, 135 RBIs and 126 runs scored, and Eaton’s line sits at .277/.364/.425 with 16 homers, 56 RBIs, 111 runs and 15 stolen bases.

The Astros are coming off an 8-1 victory in Game 4 of the series.

Houston Astros vs. Washington Nationals Free MLB Pick

Predictions: SU Winner – Nationals, ATS Winner – Astros, O/U – OVER

Notes

Betting Notes

Houston has tallied 17 extra-base hits over its last five outings. Washington has 14 XBH over its last five.

Houston has posted 19.9 Runs + Hits + Errors per game over its last 10 contests and 24.6 over its last five.

The Astros have hit 14 home runs in their last 10 games, including eight over their last five.

The Astros have an OPS of .838 this season and an OPS of .825 when facing right-handed pitchers. The Nationals’ OPS sits at .792 overall and .784 against righties.