The two teams split the games in Houston, meaning Atlanta has now seized home-field advantage. The next three games will all take place in Hotlanta so realistically, the championship could be decided here — for either team — before heading back to Houston.
Before we give our free MLB betting picks, let's take a look at Game 3 betting odds, per online bookmakers. The home team is the slight favorite to take the 2-1 series lead, as seen below.
 | Moneyline | Spread | Run Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Astros | -101 | +1.5 (-210) | Over 8.5 (-110) |
| Atlanta Braves | -109 | -1.5 (+180) | Under 8.5 (-110) |
Though, it's worth noting that the Astros remain the series favorites. At the moment, their baseball odds to win it all remain around the -140 range, while the Braves are +120 or so.
2021 MLB World Series Game 3 — Run Total Betting Pick
Any discussion about run totals (or heck, the moneyline too) has to begin with the starting pitchers. On the mound for Game 3, both teams are bringing in a pitcher off a hot start. For the home team, that's Ian Anderson. The 23-year-old righty started the game-clinching win versus the Dodgers in the NLCS. In that Game 6 matchup, Anderson went four innings with only one run and three hits given up. Anderson has a 2.25 ERA this postseason.
For the Astros, Luis Garcia will get the starting nod. Akin to Anderson, Garcia also played hero in the game that sent Houston to the Fall Classic. In Game 6 of the ALCS, Garcia allowed one hit in five and two-third innings. A big-time performance compounded by the fact that Garcia, a rookie, is only 21 years old.
The pitching advantage in Game 3 has to go to Atlanta. Anderson has been far more consistent than Garcia up to this point. Despite Garcia's valiant effort last time out, his ERA in the playoffs remains a paltry 9.64. In his two other postseason appearances, he was chased out of the mound before the third inning each time.
One more thing that'll benefit Anderson is the lack of a designated hitter. There's no telling how manager Dusty Baker will play this, but he'll have to shuffle the outfield around to accommodate the lack of DH spot. Either way, Houston's vaunted lineup will be missing one extra big bat.
We're going to bet the under. In this series, it's going to be up to Houston's big bats to do their part in the scoring. With no DH and facing a red-hot pitcher like Anderson, our guess is the Astros have a relatively quiet offensive night in Game 3, thus keeping this game below 8.5 runs.
2021 MLB World Series Game 3 — Moneyline Betting Pick
We have a sneaking suspicion the home crowd will play a bigger part than usual in Game 3. There's a few reasons for that: this is the first World Series game in Atlanta in 22 years. For a rabid baseball town like Atlanta, you HAVE to imagine that Truist Park will be deafening loud for the first time out. It could die down a tad for Game 4 and Game 5, but the opening matchup will be extra special.
And second of all, the Braves are unbeaten at home this postseason. They're a perfect 5-0 so far, allowing just 12 runs in those matchups. That definitely signals they have an edge while playing in Truist Park.
You can probably guess what direction we're leaning in Game 3 — take Atlanta to win. We're already on record saying that the Braves will pull off the upset in the World Series and we're sticking to our guns after stealing Game 1 in Houston. The combo of being at home and having Anderson pitching tilts Game 3 their way.
And honestly, we're of the belief Atlanta wins Game 3 easily. Here's why: Houston is immune to close games in the 2021 playoffs. In 12 games thus far, they've played only one game decided by one run. One! So if you're feeling a tad risky, our advice is to take the Braves to cover the 1.5-run spread, too!
How To Bet MLB World Series Online
For a complete list of MLB World Series odds — for Game 3 and every matchup that remains — go visit one of the sportsbooks we've featured below. These bookmakers have all the baseball bets you can think of, from series prices to daily games to props. Odds for these wagers are constantly in flux, but these sites are quick to update lines and keep them at reasonable prices, too.
While you're checking out these sites, pay close attention to the bonus offers currently on the table at them. You can make free money from the bonuses, no matter if your Game 3 bets hit or not. No joke, hundreds to thousands of dollars in free play could be yours by leveraging these deals. The table below has a glimpse of what bonuses are currently there for the taking.
