The Los Angeles Angels will try to avoid a four-game sweep when they play the Houston Astros in the final game of the series. We’re at Minute Maid Park, sharing our MLB odds series, making an Angels-Astros prediction and pick as we show you how to watch.
The Astros defeated the Angels 9-6 on Saturday. Now, they have a chance to sweep the four-game series against the Halos. The Angels got on the board first in the third inning when Shohei Ohtani hit a triple to right-center field to make it 1-0 Halos. However, the Astros tied it in the bottom half of the inning. Chas McCormick added to the fun when he doubled to left center field to give the Astros their first lead of the day. Later, the Astros loaded the bases for Alex Bregman, who fired a shot to the moon into left-center field for a grand slam.
The Angels inched closer as Hunter Renfroe hit a long shot into Crawford’s boxes for a solo home run. Significantly, it was his 11th of the season and he cut the deficit to 7-2. Ohtani clipped a double to left center field to make it 7-3. Mike Trout then clipped a single to left-center field to cut the deficit to 7-5. But the Astros pulled away from the Angels when McCormick cratered into right-center field for a solo shot. Thus, his fourth home run made it 8-5. The Astros added another run to finish with a win.
Cristian Javier pitched six innings and allowed one earned run on six hits and struck out five. Meanwhile, Patrick Sandoval went 3 1/3 innings and allowed six earned runs on eight hits, striking out four and walking four. Sandoval started well and then came undone in the fourth inning, prompting the Angels to pull him out.
Griffin Canning will enter today’s kickoff with a 4-2 record and a 4.89 ERA. Meanwhile, JP France will be the starter for the Astros and comes into the matchup with a 1-1 record with a 4.00 ERA.
Here are the Angels-Astros MLB odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB odds: Angels vs. Astros odds
Los Angeles Angels: +1.5 (-146)
Houston Astros: -1.5 (+122)
Plus: 9 (-110)
Minus: 9 (-110)
How to watch Reds vs. cubs
TV: SNSW, FSW, MLB Extra Innings, MLB TV
Broadcast: MLB
Time: 2:10 p.m. ET/11:10 a.m. PT
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Why angels might cover the spread
The Angels continue to fight in Houston against the Astros. Additionally, the Angels came into this season with a 36-69 record against the Astros since the start of the 2017 season. The Angels dropped 13 runners on base Thursday. Then they stranded eight on Friday and at last night’s game.
Trout is hitting .269 with 13 home runs, 31 RBIs and 36 runs scored. Ultimately, he went 1-for-5 yesterday. Ohtani is hitting .262 with 15 home runs, 38 RBIs and 33 runs. Amazingly, he was one home run away from the cycle yesterday. Renfroe is hitting .256 with 10 home runs, 29 RBIs and 31 runs. In addition, he contributed to the offensive production in yesterday’s game. Brandon Drury is hitting .254 with 10 home runs, 29 RBIs and 26 runs. However, yesterday he could not do much. Gio Urshella is hitting .310 with two home runs, 24 RBIs and 21 runs scored. However, yesterday he did not provide much help.
The bullpen allowed three earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a good second start for Ben Joyce. But Sam Bachman pitched two scoreless innings despite issuing four walks. Thus, the Angels are now the sixth worst team in the majors in walks. The bullpen has issued 75 walks, which ranks 22nd in the league.
The Angels will cover the spread if they can bring the running backs home. Pitchers must then narrow down the strike zone and avoid walks.
Why the Astros could cover the spread
The Astros are amazing and they’re on fire again. Now, their bats look to continue their streak and take out their divisional rivals. Yordan Alvarez is hitting .279 with 15 home runs, 50 RBIs and 37 runs scored. Also, he went 1 for 4 with a run yesterday. Alex Bregman is hitting .248 with seven home runs, 32 RBIs and 33 runs. Also, yesterday he went 4-1 with a run. Kyle Tucker is hitting .281 with seven home runs, 34 of his own and 22 runs. However, he had a day off and will re-enter the lineup today. McCormick is hitting .233 with four home runs, 14 RBIs and 10 runs. Today, he looks to keep his bat hot.
The bullpen faltered yesterday. However, they are still the second best in the league. The Astros don’t walk hitters a lot and it has proven to be a difference during this winning streak.
The Astros will cover the spread if they continue to hit baseball. Next, their pitching must avoid making mistakes against Ohtani and Trout.
Prediction and final pick Angels-Astros
The Astros have dominated this series. However, the Angels must take a break. The end game is stolen.
Prediction and final pick Angels-Astros: Los Angeles Angels: +1.5 (-146)
