World Series Game 3 Preview

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Developing Stories 📰

The Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks are now shifting their focus to Arizona for the next three games in this intriguing World Series. The first two games saw a split, with the Rangers staging a dramatic comeback to secure a walk-off victory in 11 innings in game one, and the Diamondbacks responding with a dominant pitching performance from Merrill Kelly to even the series in game two. In the upcoming game three, the pitching duel will showcase the Rangers' seasoned right-hander Max Scherzer (13-6, 3.77) facing off against the Diamondbacks' righty, Brandon Pfaadt (3-9, 5.72). The first pitch is scheduled for 8:03 PM EST.

The Texas Rangers go on the road to Arizona, aware that the series could easily have them trailing 0-2 instead of being tied at one game apiece. Game one witnessed a thrilling two-run home run by Corey Seager and a walk-off blast by Adolis Garcia, securing a 6-5 win. However, in game two, the Rangers' offense was silenced by Merrill Kelly, while their starter, Jordan Montgomery, struggled, resulting in a 9-1 defeat. With only four hits and ten strikeouts, the Rangers couldn't find their rhythm.  The Rangers have been perfect on the road with an 8-0 record in the playoffs. Their hopes now rest on Max Scherzer, who is working his way back after a month-long absence due to a shoulder issue. At 39 years old, Scherzer isn't the dominant force he once was. In the postseason, he holds a 0-1 record in two starts with a 9.45 ERA, allowing nine hits and seven runs in 6.2 innings. Scherzer's performance is not what it used to be, so his time on the mound may be limited.

While a lesser team might have crumbled after a heartbreaking loss in game one, the Diamondbacks showcased resilience and dominated in game two. Merrill Kelly's masterful performance led to a resounding 9-1 victory, with Kelly pitching seven innings, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out nine. The Diamondbacks had standout moments, including a home run from Gabriel Moreno, Tommy Pham's impressive 4-for-4 performance, and Ketel Marte's 2-RBI single extending his MLB record postseason hitting streak to 18 games. However, the highlight was Kelly's performance at the age of 35. With an opportunity to take the series lead, the Diamondbacks will turn to 25-year-old righty Brandon Pfaadt, who has been a valuable asset during the postseason. Pfaadt has made four starts with a 2.70 ERA, going 16.2 innings, allowing 15 hits and five earned runs. He boasts a K/9 rate of 11.9 and a solid 1.08 WHIP, showcasing his reliability in crucial moments. Similar to Scherzer, Pfaadt is unlikely to pitch deep into the game, averaging just over four innings per start in the playoffs. The upcoming game promises an exciting showdown between these two determined teams.

Headlines 🚨

On This Day in Sport History: 1871 Philadelphia Athletics beat Chicago for 1^st National association baseball pennant,

1954 First use of 24-sec shot clock in pro basketball,

2013 Boston Red Sox beat St Louis cardinals to win the title; David Ortiz wins MVP.

Top high school prospect Cooper Flagg commits to Duke, he is the favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft.

QB Kirk Cousins tears right achilles in Vikings 24-10 victory over the Packers.

New York Giants’ Quarterback, Daniel Jones cleared for return after dealing with a neck injury.

Lavine scores career high 51 points but it is not enough as Bulls lost 118-102.

Texas Rangers’ Max Scherer developed a cut on his right-hand, won’t affect him when he starts tonight for Game 3.

Titans’ rookie Will Levis expected to start vs. Steelers after throwing 4 TD passes in his debut.

The All-England club approved a plan to expand an 8000-seat stadium and 38 other courts at Wimbledon for the Grand Slam.

Oklahoma drops to #10 in the AP poll and Kansas State and Kansas entered the rankings.

Trends 📈📉 via Oddsshark

🏈 Raiders at Lions

• Detroit is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home

• Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

• Las Vegas are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games against Detroit.

• Las Vegas are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games against Detroit.

• Las Vegas are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games on the road.

Public Money 🤑 via VSiN at 9AMCT

🏀 NBA

56% of bets and 76% of money is on OVER 229.5 CHI at IND

59% of bets and 81% of money is on OVER 229.5 BOS at WSH

40% of bets and 83% of money is on OVER 228 BKN at CHA

59% of bets and 83% of money is on MIN -1.5

39% of bets and 64% of money is on UNDER 217 POR at TOR

40% of bets and 65% of money is on NO -4.5

36% of bets and 68% of money is on UNDER 224.5 GS at NO

43% of bets and 66% of money is on UNDER 228 UTAH at DEN

34% of bets and 60% of money is on ORL +3

31% of bets and 61% of money is on UNDER 219.5

Future Odds 🔮 via Bovada Sportsbook

Injury Report 🏥 via ESPN

DET (WR) Amon-Ra St. Brown | Questionable - Illness, plans to play

DET (RB) David Montgomery | Out - Ribs

DET (C) Frank Ragnow | Doubtful - Calf/Toe

DET (C) Jonah Jackson | Out - Ankle

LV (K) Daniel Carlson | Questionable - Ankle

LV (LB) Divine Deablo | Out - Ankle

LV (CB) Nate Hobbs | Questionable - Ankle

Picks 🔒

Arizona -108 | The Diamondbacks have been a solid team at home. They feel comfortable with Pfaadt starting and have won each of his last five starts. Scherzer has been shakey since his return with a 0-1 record in 2 games. This is important for the Diamondbacks to take a lead in the series at home.

Lions -7 | Garoppolo is expected to play but even with that Las Vegas still is 31st in turnovers on offense and 30th in takeaways on defense. Detroit should have no problem taking this one away.