MLB Pick: Houston Astros at LA Angels
Overview
The Houston Astros continue their three game series versus division rivals the LA Angels today in LA. The Angels won the first game 7-2 off another surprisingly good start from Matt Shoemaker who went 8.1 innings allowing just 2 earned runs while striking out 11.
Head to Head Trends
Astros are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.
Under is 9-3-1 in the last 13 meetings in Los Angeles.
LA Angels (+120)
The LA Angels are 3rd in the American League West with a 22-26 record 6.5 games back of the 1st place Seattle Mariners. Apart from a 2-10 stretch a few weeks back the Angels have played some fairly solid baseball this season. The Angels are allowing 4.50 runs per game on defense and averaging 4.15 runs per game on offense but their offense has been looking a lot better of late averaging 5.00 runs per game over their last 10.
On the hill for the Angels today is Jared Weaver who is 4-3 with a 5.33 ERA in his 9 starts this season. Weaver hasn’t been all that good this season and is no where near the pitcher he used to be but he is still getting the job done and do have a decent start from time to time.
LA Angels Trends
Angels are 52-19 in Weavers last 71 home starts.
Angels are 2-5 in their last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Houston Astros (-130)
The Houston Astros are last in the American League West with a 20-29 record 9 games out of 1st place. The Astros play well at home where they have a 13-13 record but away from home is a different story where they are just 7-16. The Astros offense is about the same home and away averaging just under 4 runs per game but they are allowing about 2 runs more per game on the road.
Starting for the Astros today is lefty Dallas Keuchel who is 2-6 with a 5.92 ERA on the season. Keuchel is off to a rough start this season especially considering he was a 20 game winning last season. Keuchel actually didn’t look too bad over his first few starts but he has really gone down hill since going 0-5 with an ERA close to 9.
Houston Astros Trends
Astros are 1-6 in Keuchels last 7 starts.
Astros are 21-46 in their last 67 road games.
Conclusion
I like the LA Angels over the Astros again today. The Angles should be favored in this one but the oddsmakers are still basing the odds off Keuchel’s reputation from last season and he is no where close to where he was last season so getting the Angels as a +120 home underdog is value city.
Free Pick: LA Angels +120