Hector Santiago (8-9, 3.24 ERA) and the Los Angeles Angels (71-69) square off against Lance McCullers (5-5, 3.07 ERA) and the Houston Astros (76-65) in a game that has the potential to be low scoring. This is the second of a three-game series at Angel Stadium. The Angels won the last game 3-2 and Los Angeles leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 9:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sep. 12 and can be seen on FSW and RTSW.
Santiago pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering zero runs, striking out three and walking six in a 7-0 win over the Rangers. McCullers went 7.0 innings, surrendering one run, striking out eight and walking two in a 3-2 defeat to the Twins in his most recent start. Carlos Correa (.274, 40 Rs, 17 HRs, 51 RBIs, 12 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run and one stolen base.
Houston is a slim -115 favorite over Los Angeles. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of seven runs. The Angels have recorded an overall money line of -557 and have shown a weak performance as an underdog this season with a record of 18-39. Los Angeles has recorded a disappointing 1-4 record as the underdog over its last 10 games. The Angels have seen an uptick in scoring against teams inside their division, averaging 4.5 runs per game. They average 4.0 runs per game on the season. The Angels are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 365.
In games where it is the favorite, Houston has a 46-35 record and an overall money line of +428. They are 14-18 as the favorite against AL West opponents, and 30-27 SU. Offensively, the Astros have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 4.4 runs per game by averaging 5.9 during that stretch. The Astros can change the game with one swing of the bat, ranking second in the league with 193 home runs. The Astros are an excellent base stealing team with 106 stolen bases, ranking third in the MLB. Houston’s pitching staff has set the standard for its league, with an AL-low 3.36 ERA. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Astros are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.18 for the season.
The Astros lead the season series, 8-6. The Angels have a 50-51 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when McCullers takes the mound. Santiago (LHP) will be on the hill against the Astros, who have a 26-22 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Hou, O/U – Over
Notes
The Astros lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Angels are 25-16. The Astros are 19-24 in close games this season.
The Angels are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Astros have a 22-36 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Astros are 13-45. The Angels have a 15-51 record when opponents outhit them.
Los Angeles ranks in the top half of the league at 12th when it comes to home runs, hitting 144 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at second with 193.
Los Angeles and Houston both rank in the top half of the league in hits. Los Angeles sits at 15th with 8.15 hits per game and Houston ranks 14th with 8.21.
Ranking 25th, Los Angeles is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.695). Houston ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .736.
When the Astros allow at least one home run, they are 28-44, well-matched with the Angels who are 36-55 when allowing at least one homer.
