Houston Astros Open Series Against LA Angels for Top Spot in AL West
By Cory Huybregts in MLB Baseball
Updated: December 10, 2018 at 10:59 pm ESTPublished:
- The Houston Astros have a one game lead in AL West Standings
- The Angels currently have the season series lead 2-1
- Read the full game preview below
The Houston Astros travel to the west coast to face the Los Angeles Angels in the first of a three game series at Angel Stadium of Anaheim (10:07 PM ET). This is the first time Houston has been back in LA since their world series win. The forecast predicts clear sky, no precipitation, and a low of 71° F.
This series could prove to be pivotal, as the Angels are one game back of the Astros for the top of the American League West. The Angels have played two less games, and currently lead the season series 2-1.
Look for an entertaining matchup as potential MVP candidates Mike Trout and Jose Altuve continue to prove why they should be in the conversation. Beyond the two stars, both teams have loaded lineups with Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman, and Yuli Gurriel supporting the Astros, while Justin Upton, and 3,000 hit club member Albert Pujols are always dangerous with the Angels.
One name who may not be out there is the Astros current home run leader, George Springer, suffered an elbow bruise after getting hit by a pitch on Friday. Springer is currently day-to-day and avoided being put on the 10-day DL.
Regardless of whether Springer is out there or not, expect some fireworks in this series. The Houston Astros are currently 7th in the MLB in runs scored with 197, while the Angels sit 5th with 200. These offenses will likely put a lot of strain on the two teams’ bullpens.
Team Stats
| 26-16,14-6 away | RECORD | 24-16,9-12 home | |
| Lance McCullers Jr., 5-1, 3.72 ERA | STARTING PITCHERS | Andrew Heaney, 1-2, 4.78 ERA | |
| 4-1 | LAST 5 GAMES | 3-2 | |
| 44 | Team HR | 56 | |
| .256 | Team BA | .261 | |
| 0.99 | WHIP | 1.33 | |
| .196 | OPP BA | .244 |
The Astros and Angels come into the series with very similar records and offenses.
Lance McCullers Jr. has won his last six starts and will look to continue that streak in a two-start week. Andrew Heaney, on the other hand, is coming off a loss to the Colorado Rockies. The southpaw does have a 2.25 ERA in May, though, and will look to get back in the win column against the Astros.
It’s crucial for each team that their starter in the first game of this series can give them a quality outing.
Opening Odds
| MONEYLINE | RUNLINE | O/U RUNS |
|---|---|---|
| Astros -130 | Astros -1.5 (-150) | OVER 8 (-105) |
| Angels +123 | Angels +1.5 (-140) | UNDER 8 (-105) |
Score Prediction
Houston Astros 6: Los Angeles Angels 5
Mike Trout continues his offensive production, but it’s not enough as the Astros win game one of the three game series. McCullers continues his impressive season, going 6.0 innings with no HRs allowed, as the Astros continue to sit atop the AL West.
Check out our MLB betting hub for the most recent odds for every MLB game today.
Sports Writer
From hockey to football, to basketball, baseball, soccer, and rugby, Cory is on top of it all. He grew up playing sports, has worked around them ever since (including as a talent scout), and is one of SBD's most experienced bettors.
