MLB Predictions: Angels vs Astros Lines
The Houston Astros host the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday in the third game of a three-game set at Minute Maid Park. The Angels won the second game in the series on Wednesday, 4-0, leaving both teams looking for a series win on Thursday in the rubber match.
Los Angeles Angels (31-27) at Houston Astros (26-34)
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2014
Time: 7:10 PM ET
Venue: Minute Maid Park
City: Houston, Texas
O/U Odds: 9
Money Line: Los Angeles -130, Houston +120
Pitching Matchup: LH Tyler Skaggs (4-3, 4.14 ERA) at RH Brad Peacock (1-4, 4.76 ERA)
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With Wednesday’s win, the Angels have now won 10 of the last 13 matchups between these teams in Houston. They’ll look to win the series on Thursday behind left-handed starter Tyler Skaggs.
Skaggs has been hit or miss this season, but boy has he looked dominant at times. Unfortunately for the Halos, he’s been more “miss” of late. In his last six starts, he’s surrendered four or more runs four times. He’ll be making his third consecutive road start against a divisional opponent.
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The first two didn’t go very well. Skaggs allowed five runs in Seattle, though only two of them were earned, surrendering seven hits and walking two over seven innings in a 5-1 loss to the Mariners. In his most recent outing, Skaggs gave up four runs in Oakland, scattering five hits in six innings, walking five in an 11-3 loss to the Athletics.
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On the bright side, Skaggs struck out 15 batters in 13 innings of work in those two starts. He’ll be in tough in this one against an Astros lineup that has fared better in their home ballpark this season.
The Astros counter with Brad Peacock. He’s coming off a couple pretty solid outings. Peacock gave up just three runs in his last two outings, spanning 12 2/3 innings in wins over the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles.
Peacock’s increased strikeout rate has contributed to his success of late. He’s fanned 24 batters over 18 2/3 innings in his last three outings. In his last start against the Orioles he showed no signs of the right forearm stiffness that caused him to miss is last scheduled start.
When the Astros moved to the National League West, many speculated that the teams within the division that fared best against them would enjoy the most success in the divisional standings. The Angels have been played well against the Astros in recent meetings, and hold an edge on the mound in this one.
Additionally, both pitchers have shown that they can give up runs with pretty fare regularity. The Astro offense has put up runs at a pretty respectable rate at home compared with what they’ve done on the road, while the Angels can rake just about anywhere.
The Angels are 4-1 in Skaggs’s last five starts versus opponents with a losing record, and 8-3 in his last 11 starts overall.
The over is 8-2 in Skaggs’s last 10 starts overall.
The play: Los Angeles -130, Over 9
