Even though the Fall Classic now moves to Philadelphia, I feel the pendulum has swung in the Astros' direction. The Astros were 2nd in the league against left-handers and have hit them very hard as well in the postseason. They are a very good road team.
McCullers Jr should be recovered from the champagne bottle incident. He has otherwise been very sharp down the stretch with a shutout of the Phillies and another in the postseason over the Mariners.
Suarez who has replaced Syndergaard after the rain delay has been up and down in the post season. He was thumped by the Astros at the tail end of the regular season. I n the postseason, he was wild in his first start, walking 5 in 3 innings, although allowing just 1 run. He settled down in his second start, allowing just 1 run over 5 innings against the Padres, and has come out of the bullpen on two occasions since. The Phillies will likely keep him on a short leash, but Suarez does have a solid upside. The Astros have the edge in the later innings. While the Phillies bullpen has been overachieving in the post season, the Astros relievers have been exceptional all year.
Of all teams, the Astros will be least affected by the noise in C B Park, having faced the very vocal ire of the fans in every stadium they have visited for years. The Astros pitchers have also shut down Harper to date in the series. The Phillies have a terrific home playoff record, but face a very experienced team with a great and well rested pitcher on the mound. Take the Astros to steal this one on the road.