The 2017 World Series begins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The opening pitch is slated for 8:09 PM ET. At the time of this writing (10/22), Game 1 World Series odds at 5Dimes has the Los Angeles Dodgers at -160 and the Houston Astros at +155 on the money line. Additionally, there’s a posted total of 7.0.

This will be a first World Series appearance for the Dodgers since 1988. Meanwhile, the Astros have advanced to their 2^nd ever World Series in franchise history. These clubs haven’t met since the 2015 season when Houston swept a 3-game series at home.

 Probable Starting Pitchers

Dallas Keuchel gets the nod for Houston in Game 1. The Astros southpaw hurler has a stellar 2.87 ERA in 26 starts this season. Keuchel has made 6 career postseason starts and has gone 4-1 with a 2.59 ERA.

Keuchel fared better at home than on the road during 2017 regular season action. He had 3.53 ERA in 12 road starts compared to 2.26 at home. Keuchel will be facing a Dodgers team that went 37-15 (.712) this year against left-handed starting pitchers. This will be his first career start against the Dodgers.

The Dodgers are a superb 26-4 (.867) this season when Clayton Kershaw is their starting pitcher. Their ace left-hander compiled a terrific 2.43 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in those 30 starts. Kershaw is 6-7 with 4.40 ERA in 17 career postseason starts in addition to 4 relief appearances. That’s far above his overall career ERA of 2.36.

It must be noted, Kershaw has surrendered 11 home runs over his last 8 starts, and that includes allowing at least 1 long ball during each of those outings. He will be facing an Astros batting order which has smashed 236 home runs this year, and they struck out the least amount of times than any other American League team.

 Astros Lefty/Righty Splits

Houston is a terrific 84-40 (.677) when facing a right-handed starting pitcher this season. Unfortunately for them, that won’t be the case on Tuesday night. The Astros are just 24-25 (.490) against lefties.

 Dodgers Huge Home Field Advantage

The Los Angeles Dodgers have gone a stupendous 61-24 (.718) at home this season, and that includes 4-0 during postseason play. They’ve outscored opposing teams by an average of 1.7 runs per game at Dodger Stadium.

 Bullpens in 2017 Postseason

Houston’s bullpen during the ALDS and ALCS was consistent to what we witnessed during regular season action, and that’s subpar. The Astros relievers have a cumulative 5.03 ERA and have allowed 8 home runs in 34.0 innings pitched during 11 postseason games.

The Dodgers bullpen was nothing short of spectacular during the NLDS and NLCS. Dodgers relievers have collected a superb 1.04 ERA and 0.38 WHIP in their 8 postseason games. What’s even more eye popping, Dodgers relief pitchers have walked just 1 batter while striking out 32 in 26.0 innings of work.

Betting Trends and Pick

Houston won the final 2 games of the ALCS by scores of 4-0 and 7-1. They’ve gone 11-2 (84.6%) over the total this season following 2 straight wins which each came by 4 runs or more.

Los Angeles clinched the National League Pennant with a convincing 11-1 win at Wrigley Field. They’ve gone 19-8 (70.4%) over the total at home this year following a win by 4 runs or more.

With all things being considered, I like this to be a high scoring affair, and my Game 1 World Series pick will reflect that prediction.

Pick: Over 7.0

Ross Benjamin is a top sports analyst and one of the sports industry's most respected handicappers. Follow him on Twitter: @RossBenjamin1