MLB Free Picks & Predictions: Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros Game 2

The Nationals defied the odds by defeating Gerrit Cole and the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the World Series. Will the Astros be able to bounce back and even up the series in Game 2?

• 01Verlander must get the job done for Houston in Game 2
• 02Which team will score first?
• 03Houston should win in a close battle on Wednesday
• 04Both teams now have even odds to win the World Series

Verlander must get the job done for Houston in Game 2

Washington's shocking run just won't stop. They were major underdogs to win Game 1 because Gerrit Cole was on the mound, but led by Juan Soto, they handed the righty ace his first loss since May 22. Wild. 

Now, Justin Verlander will be tasked to lead the team in Game 2, where Houston simply can't afford to lose and fall behind 0-2.

Verlander struggled in his last start, though, giving up four runs and two homers against the Yankees in Game 5 of the ALCS.

Will he return to form against Washington and its warrior mentality? We think so, which is why we're picking Houston to leave the stadium with a win. 

Which team will score first?

Although Justin Verlander and Stephen Strasburg will be on the mound, we can still expect runs to be scored throughout this one.

Take a look at Game 1 with Max Scherzer and Gerrit Cole starting, as nine total runs were scored. What's coming for Game 2?

Well, while we think Houston will win, we also think they'll score first. Verlander is expected to be locked in, while Houston will do all it can to rattle Strasburg early on.

Agree with us in thinking Houston will score first? Place your bets. 

Houston should win in a close battle on Wednesday

This one is going to be a battle, make no mistake about. Verlander and Strasburgh starting for both teams already lets us know it'll be a low-scoring game.

But, what do you think the final score of the game will be? Washington ended up winning Game 1 by a score of 5-4. For Game 2, we also think it will be a one-score contest, which is something fans out there can bet on.

Could Houston end up winning 5-4 or 4-3? You never know what might end up happening, but don't expect this one to be a blowout. 

Both teams now have even odds to win the World Series

Oh, how quickly things can change. Before Tuesday's game, Houston was the clear-cut favorite to win the World Series, but their MLB odds to win it all have certainly dropped after losing Game 1.

For Washington, you better believe their odds have skyrocketed. According to Betway, both teams now have 1.85 odds to be crowned as champions. 

Should Washington be victorious on Game 2, its odds will only keep getting better. Think the Nats can do the unthinkable? Get your MLB picks in.