The Los Angeles Angels (33-30) host the Chicago Cubs (26-35) at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Thursday with the home team in position for a sweep of the three-game Interleague series.
The Angels lead the series 2-0 after winning 6-2 on Wednesday. Ben Joyce got the win with one scoreless inning of relief. Luis Rengifo went 2 for 4 with a home run, two runs, and two RBIs in the win. Mike Tauchman was 1 for 3 with one run for the Cubs.
ON THE MOUND
Drew Smyly (5-3, 3.56 ERA) is slated to start for Chicago. The left-hander allowed three runs over 5.2 innings in his last start, a 6-0 road defeat against the Padres on Saturday. He took the loss, yielding seven hits while striking out four and walking three.
Southpaw Reid Detmers (0-5, 4.93 ERA) gets the ball for Los Angeles. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Cubs. In his last start on June 1, Detmers took the loss on the road against the Astros. He threw five innings and gave up four runs on six hits, striking out two and walking two in the 5-2 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged only 2.6 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.3, while slashing worse across the board (.179/.260/.269). Against left-handed pitchers like Detmers this season, the Cubs have a .787 OPS.
Yan Gomes is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a 1.108 OPS in 45 at-bats. Los Angeles is averaging only 4.6 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.8 for the season. The Halos have a .796 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a .800 OPS over 57 at-bats, Mike Trout has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is on a three-game losing streak on the road, bringing their record to 11-19 in 2023. The Cubs have scored 4.3 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.5 runs.
Los Angeles has gone 17-13 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 5.0 runs per game while surrendering 4.9. Chicago is 5-4 in nine meetings at Angel Stadium of Anaheim with an average scoreline of 5.6-4.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Cubs are fourth in the NL Central, seven games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Angels are third in the AL West, eight games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
LA Angels (-135)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
