Garrett Richards (6-4, 3.97 ERA) and the Los Angeles Angels (32-32) meet Jeremy Hellickson (4-3, 5.29 ERA) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (31-32) in the second of a two-game interleague series at Angel Stadium. The Diamondbacks won the last game 7-3 and Arizona leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 10:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Jun. 16 and will air on FSN-AZ, FSN-W and MLB Net.
In his last start, Richards pitched 7.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out seven and walking one in a 6-2 victory over the Rays. Mike Trout (.297, 47 Rs, 18 HRs, 39 RBIs, 8 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with two RBIs. In his career against the Angels, Hellickson is 3-2 with a 2.73 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 29 strikeouts. Paul Goldschmidt (.366, 49 Rs, 18 HRs, 53 RBIs, 10 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Diamondbacks, going 3 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
Los Angeles is a -170 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at seven runs. When playing as the favorite, the Angels have a 20-16 record and overall money line at -224. They have performed well against the NL to earn an SU record of 3-5, but only have a 3-2 record when they were the favorite. Los Angeles has averaged 2.6 runs per game during interleague play, lower than its season average of 3.9.
Moving on to the away team, the Diamondbacks come into this game with a win percentage of .465 when playing as the underdog (20-23) and an overall money line of +122. Against teams in the American League, they are 1-1 SU. The Diamondbacks will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent offensive struggles. In their 10 most recent games, Arizona’s run production has dropped to 3.3 runs per game, compared to 3.9 for the duration of the season. The Diamondbacks have racked up 57 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. The Diamondbacks are a problem for opposing batters, sporting a 3.83 ERA on the road this season.
The only other game between the two teams went Arizona’s way. This game will feature Hellickson (RHP) on the mound against the Angels, who have a 24-26 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Diamondbacks will be the right-hander Richards. They sport a 23-24 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – ARI, O/U – Over
Notes
Los Angeles has won 55% (16-13) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Arizona has won 68% (13-6) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Angels managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Diamondbacks who are coming in with a 13-8 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
It looks like the Diamondbacks have a slight leg up on the Angels, as the Diamondbacks have won their last four games while the Angels have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Diamondbacks are 20-7. The Angels have a 23-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 20th, Los Angeles is in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 251 this season. Arizona ranks in the top five at third with 290.
Ranking 21st, Los Angeles is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 168 this season. Arizona ranks in the top half at 13th with 195.
When the Angels hit at least one home run, they are 23-17. When the Diamondbacks hit at least one homer, they have a 22-13 record.
