The Houston Astros (28-35) and Los Angeles Angels (24-38) begin a 3-game series Friday. First pitch from Angel Stadium is slated for 9:38 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Astros vs. Angels odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Angels lead 2-1
Houston hits the road for 6 games after finishing 3-3 on their 6-game homestand. They failed to complete the sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, falling 4-2. RHP Ronel Blanco suffered his 2nd consecutive loss (5 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 2 K) and their only offense came on solo HRs by LF Trey Cabbage and C Yainer Diaz.
The Angels had a great start to their 6-Game homestand with a sweep of San Diego, holding the Padres to a total of 5 runs over the 3-Game series. RHP Jose Soriano earned his 3rd win on Wednesday (6 IP, 2 R (1 ER). 6 H, 1 BB, 1 K) and got HRs from SS Zach Neto (2 RBI) and 1B Nolan Schanuel.
Astros at Angels projected starters
LHP Framber Valdez vs. RHP Griffin Canning
Valdez (4-3, 3.95 ERA) makes his 10th start. He has a 1.24 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 6.9 K/9 in 54 2/3 IP.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 4 K in 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins Saturday; his 1st win since May 15
- Last start vs Angels: Loss, 5 IP, 8 ER, 10 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 9-7 road loss on May 20
Canning (2-5, 4.69 ERA) makes his 13th start. He has a 1.37 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 6.4 K/9 in 63 1/3 IP.
- Last start: Loss, 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K in 5-1 loss at the Seattle Mariners Sunday
- Last start vs Astros: No-decision, 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 2 K in 6-5 victory on May 21
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Astros at Angels odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:34 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Astros -196 (bet $196 to win $100) | Angels +164 (bet $100 to win $164)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros -1.5 (-115) | Angels +1.5 (-104)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Astros at Angels picks and predictions
Prediction
Angels 4, Astros 3
Moneyline.
BET ANGELS (+164).
I’m all in on the Halos to get the series opening win on Friday night. They have been far better against left-handed pitching this season; just look at what they did against Valdez earlier this season. They are 8-4 vs. southpaws and bat .279, which is more than 50 points higher than against righties.
Los Angeles also has momentum coming off of their impressive sweep of the Padres. Why not ride the hot hand to some extra money in your pocket on Friday night?
Run line/Against the spread
PASS.
I’m putting my unit bet on the moneyline and avoid the run line.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 8.5 (-105).
Big fan of the Under in this game. The Astros are 2-8 against the Over in their last 10 games while the Angels have been Under in 4 straight.
Houston has struggled to score on the road all season, averaging under 4 runs per Game. The Angels barely average 4 RPG on the entire season. You should not expect fireworks on Friday night in L.A.
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