Astros vs. Angels Prediction
The Houston Astros picked up a road win over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night. Can Justin Verlander lead them to a second straight win over LA tonight at 7:15PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
971 Houston Astros at 972 Los Angeles Angels
Saturday, July 21, 2018
7:15PM ET – Angel Stadium
TV: FOX
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new Baseball Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers, the Astros are favored on the road, as they are getting odds of -170 to win. Los Angeles is getting a money line of +155 to win, while the over/under total for the contest has been set at 8 runs. The public betting for this game has 88 percent going on Houston on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Astros take opener
Houston won the series opener, grinding out a 3-1 win over Los Angeles behind Dallas Keuchel. The Astros are now 65-35 overall and 33-14 on the road. Houston is scoring 5.03 runs per game on the year while the pitching is allowing just 3.13 per contest.
Justin Verlander gets the start for Houston. He is 9-5 through 21 starts but has lost his last three decisions. Verlander has a 2.29 ERA with a 0.84 WHIP and has 172 strikeouts with 24 walks through 137.2 innings.
Angels back to .500
Los Angeles has fallen back to the .500 mark with Friday’s 3-1 loss to the Astros. The Angels now have a 49-49 record and a 24-24 mark at home. Los Angeles is putting up 4.35 runs per game this season while allowing 4.12 per contest.
Nick Tropeano gets the start for the Angels this weekend. He is making his 11th start of the season and has a 3-4 record with a 4.83 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. Tropeano has picked up 44 strikeouts and 20 walks through 54.0 innings on the mound.
MLB Betting Trends
Houston
The Astros have won four of Verlander’s last five road starts and 21 of his last 31 starts overall. They are also 37-17 in his last 54 games following a win.
Los Angeles
The Angels have won five of their last six following a loss, but are just 4-9 in their last 13 games against AL West opponents.
Prediction:
Verlander hasn’t been great lately and was most recently lit up by his old team in the Detroit Tigers. However, I don’t think he has to be perfect tonight. Tropeano has been average at best and allowed 10 runs over his last 9 innings. I think Houston should be able to supply Verlander with enough run support to get the win even if he struggles.
The Pick: Houston Astros -170