World Series picks: Best Game 3 bets for Diamondbacks vs. Rangers

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers split the first two games of the World Series in Arlington, and now the series shifts to Phoenix for Game 3. Let's break down this crucial matchup and target a two-pack of best bets for Game 3 of the World Series. 

Diamondbacks moneyline (-104 FanDuel)

I'm not sure why the Diamondbacks are underdogs in this game. Arizona outplayed Texas in Game 1 and Game 2 and could easily be up 2-0 in the World Series. Now the D-backs get to roll out Brandon Pfaadt, who's given up just four hits and no earned runs in two home starts this postseason. Arizona is 4-0 in Pfaadt's four starts in the playoffs.

On the other side, it's hard to trust Max Scherzer after he gave up seven earned runs and two homers over 6.2 innings against the Houston Astros in the ALCS. The 39-year-old clearly isn't 100 percent healthy, and he won't be able to go more than four innings in Game 3. That will open the door for the Rangers bullpen, which surrendered five runs in only three innings in Game 2, to pitch most of the game. 

Max Scherzer under 14.5 outs recorded (-125 DraftKings)

Scherzer has started two games this postseason, and he couldn't record more than 12 outs in either. Bruce Bochy will be quick to pull Scherzer if he gets in any early trouble, which seems likely considering the Diamondbacks have scored 14 runs over the first two games of the World Series. 

Arizona, in its lone matchup against Scherzer this season, scored four runs and hit three home runs. The game plan will be to jump on Scherzer early and get to the bullpen as soon as possible, and I think they'll be able to execute it.