In the first of a three-game series between the Los Angeles Angels (57-50) and the Baltimore Orioles (55-52) at Angel Stadium, Andrew Heaney (5-1, 1.97 ERA) and Kevin Gausman (2-2, 3.97 ERA) take the mound. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 7 and will air on MAS2 and FSW.
In his last start, Heaney pitched 5.1 innings, giving up two runs, striking out three and walking two in a 3-1 loss to the Dodgers. Albert Pujols (.257, 61 Rs, 30 HRs, 66 RBIs, 2 SBs) continued his strong season Wednesday, going 2 for 4 with one run. The Orioles were victorious over the Tigers 6-2 the last time Gausman pitched. He went 7.0 innings, allowing two runs and striking out six. Chris Davis (.248, 57 Rs, 28 HRs, 79 RBIs) has been doing well offensively for the Orioles, going 2 for 4 Wednesday with two runs, one home run, and four RBIs.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Angels are a dangerous hitting team with 279 extra base hits, one of the highest totals in the MLB. Transitioning to the pitching staff, the Angels lead the AL in home ERA with a 3.01 team average. The Angels don’t give up many hits at home to opposing batters at Angel Stadium, leading the AL with only 7.6 hits allowed per home game. An area where the Angels are particularly strong at home is striking batters out, where they average 8.2 K’s per home game.
The Orioles are known for their power, smashing 135 home runs. The Orioles are a problem for opposing batters, sporting a 3.97 ERA on the road this season. They also allow just 8.1 hits per road game, good for third in the AL.
In their previous three games this season, the Angels have a 2-1 record. The Angels will take on a right-hander (Gausman) in this game and have a 41-41 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The left-handed Heaney will take the mound against the Orioles, who have a 15-10 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAA
Notes
The Angels managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Orioles who are coming in with an 18-11 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Orioles are 8-36. The Angels have an 11-37 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking eighth in home runs, Los Angeles has hit 118 this season. Baltimore ranks fourth with 135 home runs.
Ranking 13th, Los Angeles is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.22 per game. Baltimore ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.51.
Ranking 18th, Los Angeles is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.702). Baltimore ranks in the top 10 at eighth with an OPS of .732.
The Orioles are 29-36 when they allow at least one home run. The Angels perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 28-41 record.
