Matt Shoemaker (3-8, 4.43 ERA) and Collin McHugh (5-5, 4.70 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Los Angeles Angels (32-44) and the Houston Astros (39-37) at Angel Stadium. Action begins at 10:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Jun. 27 and can be seen on RTSW, FSW and ESPN.
Shoemaker pitched 7.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs, striking out seven and walking two in a 3-2 defeat to the Astros. Mike Trout (.313, 53 Rs, 16 HRs, 52 RBIs, 10 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 5 with three runs, one home run, and two RBIs. McHugh went 7.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out six and walking one in a 3-2 win over the Angels in his last outing. Jose Altuve (.347, 54 Rs, 13 HRs, 44 RBIs, 18 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
Notes
Los Angeles has won 44% (16-20) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Houston has won 50% (17-17) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Astros are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Angels have an 11-0 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Angels are 28-8. The Astros have a 27-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 16th, Los Angeles is in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 326 this season. Houston ranks in the top half with 337.
Ranking 20th, Los Angeles is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.723). Houston ranks in the top half at 14th with an OPS of .743.
The Astros are 26-25 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Angels are 16-37 when they allow at least one homer.
