Houston Astros (84-47) vs. Los Angeles Angels (57-74)
The Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels open a three-game series starting on Friday. This is a battle of two clubs at complete opposite ends of the division standings, as the Astros not only lead the AL West but have the top record in the American League. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 27.0 games behind Houston and 14.0 games out for the final wild-card spot.
Not surprisingly, Houston enters as the prohibitive favorites (-165) while Los Angeles is at +140. When giving up 1.5 runs, the Astros are at +105 while the Angels are at -125 when receiving 1.5 runs. The total is set at 7.5 (over: -120, under: +100). The Astros have dominated the Angels this season, going 9-4 including winning five of seven in Anaheim.
Trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by six games, Houston is not likely to catch the Dodgers for the top record in baseball, but they hold a five-game edge over the New York Yankees for the top record in the American League. That looks like that is going to stand, as the Astros are 43-20 at home and 41-27 on the road. They have also taken business against teams with losing records, going 35-20.
.@conocophillips takes you #InsideTheNumbers of Breggy's red-hot August. pic.twitter.com/14Z5b8fXxm
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 1, 2022
That the Astros have been so good is not surprising. The team has the ninth-best run production per game (4.59) and is fourth and home runs, hitting 172. It has taken some time, but this offense is really starting to come into their own, posting the eighth-best batting average since the All-Star game (.261) and having the 11th-best on-base percentage (.322).
The Astros start right-hander Lance McCullers who is making just his fourth start of the season. After sitting out much of the year battling injuries, the right-hander has been spectacular since returning, allowing three earned runs in 16.0 innings pitched. In two of his starts, he did not allow a run. McCullers should not be expected to go more than five innings in this game, but there are no worries as Houston has the top bullpen in baseball (2.93).