The Los Angeles Angels (+175) host the Houston Astros (-210) at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Saturday. The early total has been set at 7.5 (O: -120 | U: +100).The Astros (85-47) took Friday’s series opener 4-2, their fourth straight victory overall and 10th in 14 games against the Angels this season. Starter Lance McCullers Jr. went 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out seven, to get the win, and Rafael Montero earned his 11th save with a scoreless ninth. Yuli Gurriel was 1 for 3 with a double and one RBI in the win. Taylor Ward went 1 for 3 with one run for the Angels (57-75).
ON THE MOUND
Luis Garcia (11-8, 4.09 ERA) is set to start for Houston. The RHP allowed three runs over five innings in his last start, a 6-3 road win over the Twins on August 25. He was credited with the win, giving up five hits while striking out five and walking one. Over two previous starts against the Angels this season, Garcia has allowed four earned runs over 11.2 innings (1-0, 3.09). He has struck out 14 and walked four. Righty Shohei Ohtani (11-8, 2.67 ERA) takes the mound for Los Angeles. He has made three appearances against the Astros this season, all starts, giving up two runs over 16.2 innings (2-1, 1.08) with 33 strikeouts and four walks. In his last start on August 27, Ohtani got the win on the road against the Blue Jays. He threw seven scoreless innings and gave up two hits, striking out nine and walking one in the 2-0 victory. The RHP ranks fifth in the AL in strikeouts (176).
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Houston has averaged only 3.4 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.5, while performing worse across the board (.225/.311/.319). Against righties like Ohtani this season, the ‘Stros have a .734 OPS. Alex Bregman is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .923 OPS in 296 at-bats. Los Angeles is averaging 4.2 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 3.8 for the season. The Halos have a .690 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .947 OPS over 305 at-bats, Ohtani has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is on a four-game winning streak away from Minute Maid Park, bringing their record to 42-27 in 2022. The ‘Stros have scored 4.5 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.4 runs. Los Angeles has gone 28-38 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim this season, averaging 4.0 runs per game while surrendering 4.4. In the last 10 games between the AL West rivals at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Houston is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 4.5-3.4.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros lead the AL West by 11 games over the Mariners. The Angels are fourth in the AL West, 28 games behind the Astros.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Los Angeles Angels (-120)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
