The World Series is currently deadlocked at one game apiece, and the action now shifts to Arizona for Games 3, 4, and 5. The initial matchups were nothing short of thrilling. Game 1 saw the Rangers launching a ninth-inning homer that forced extra innings, ultimately culminating in a dramatic walk-off victory in the 11th inning.

In Game 2, the Diamondbacks left no room for doubt, delivering a commanding 9-1 triumph, leveling the World Series. The pivotal Game 3 is set to unfold at Chase Field in Arizona, with a first pitch scheduled for 8:03 p.m. ET on Monday.

Max Scherzer takes the mound for the Rangers in his third playoff start. While his initial outing left room for improvement, his performance in the second game showed promise. Returning from an injury during the playoffs is undoubtedly a formidable challenge, but the Rangers are optimistic that Scherzer will continue to elevate his game with each appearance.

Counteracting for the Diamondbacks is Brandon Pfaadt, who is in the midst of a career-defining stretch of playoff starts. Pfaadt has taken the mound four times in the postseason, and each time, Arizona has emerged victorious. This streak includes a standout performance in NLCS Game 7, where Pfaadt pitched four innings and recorded an impressive seven strikeouts.

Turning to the odds, the initial favor leaned towards the Rangers, especially after their Game 1 triumph. However, Arizona’s victory in Game 2 has significantly narrowed the gap. The winner of Game 3 is poised to become a frontrunner for clinching the World Series.

For the Rangers, shoring up their pitching will be paramount in staying competitive in this World Series. While their offense came through in Game 1, allowing Arizona to post five and nine runs in the first two games is a cause for concern. With Scherzer on the mound for Game 3, there’s a glimmer of hope, given his extensive playoff experience. A vintage Scherzer performance wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility.

In Game 1, the Rangers took an early lead, only to see it vanish as the Diamondbacks mounted a comeback with five runs between the third and fifth innings. It wasn’t until the very end, courtesy of Corey Seager’s game-tying two-run homer, and Adolis Garcia’s walk-off solo home run in the 11th inning, that the Rangers secured the victory. However, Game 2 was a different story, with the Texas offense managing only one run. They’ll need to recapture the potency they displayed in Game 1 to have a shot in Game 3.

Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are riding a wave of momentum, having showcased their dominance in this World Series. Their ability to bounce back and secure Game 2 following the Game 1 disappointment underscores the resilience of this Arizona squad. Heading into Game 3 with Pfaadt on the mound is a source of confidence, given his stellar recent outings. In the playoffs, Pfaadt boasts a 2.70 ERA with an impressive 22 strikeouts in 16.2 innings pitched.

Couple this with the Diamondbacks’ potent offense, which has amassed 14 runs across Games 1 and 2, and it’s evident that Arizona is in formidable form. Every starter contributed with at least one hit in Game 2, exemplifying a cohesive team effort. While they may not match the Rangers in power pitching and home-run prowess, the Diamondbacks are demonstrating superior all-around play. A Game 3 triumph would firmly place Arizona in the driver’s seat of this series, propelling them closer to claiming the Commissioner’s trophy.

 

Texas Rangers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks player props: World Series Game 3 FanDuel odds

 

Pitcher Props

  • Max Scherzer
    • 4.5 strikeouts over (-104) / under (-122)
    • Alt Strikeouts
      • 4+ (-260)
      • 5+ (-104)
      • 6+ (+215)
      • 7+ (+440)
      • 8+ (+900)
    • 6+ strikeouts and Rangers win (+390)
  • Brandon Pfaadt
    • 4.5 strikeouts over (-106) / under (-118)
    • Alt Strikeouts
      • 4+ (-260)
      • 5+ (-106)
      • 6+ (+200)
      • 7+ (+440)
      • 8+ (+900)
    • 6+ strikeouts and Rangers win (+400)

 

TOPICS: Diamondbacks