ODDS ANALYSIS
The Astros cashed the over and avoided the sweep in Seattle with a 6-2 win on Sunday and they’ve been on a tear playing above the scoreline. The over is 9-0-1 in Houston’s last 10 games and 19-13-2 on the road. Houston remains a solid play up 8.95 units overall on the moneyline and 3.78 units on the road.
The over is 5-0 in the last five games started by Collin McHugh. Houston won four of the first seven games against LA this season with the teams splitting a four-game set in Anaheim in early May. The under is 5-1-1 in the season series.
The Angels dropped the final two games of a three-game set in Oakland over the weekend and enter the series 5.5 games behind the Astros in the AL West standings. LA had a brief outbreak of offense totaling 19 runs in back-to-back games, the second a 12-7 win over the A’s on Friday. The Halos quickly reverted back to their sluggish offensive ways by scoring a total of three runs in the final two games over the weekend. The under is 5-1 in LA’s last six games and 3-0 in C.J. Wilson’s last three starts.
PITCHING MATCHUP
Collin McHugh (7-3, 5.04 ERA) gave up three runs in the first inning Thursday in Denver before holding the Rockies to one hit over the next five innings for his eighth quality start in 14 outings this year. He walked a season-high five batters and fanned eight giving up just four hits throwing a season-high 112 pitches. Houston is 9-5 in games he’s started.
McHugh tossed 7.1 innings with five hits and two runs striking out seven getting a no-decision in a 3-2 Astros win at LA on May 7. He is 0-2 with a 2.95 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in three career starts at Angel Stadium.
C.J. Wilson (5-5, 3.39 ERA) has been dominant over his last two starts allowing one earned run over 15 innings and winning both games. He fanned nine giving up eight hits and a run over eight innings at Arizona in his last outing.
Wilson allowed two earned runs in 6.2 innings in his only start against the Astros earlier this season in a game the Angels lost 4-0. He’s made 14 starts over 24 career appearances against Houston going 7-6 with a 4.05 ERA.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“I’m not going to concede any effort level when I’m out there. I just want to help the team win. It’s just like any other guy in there, if they’re going to play their rear off and try to play as hard as they can to win the game, I’m the same way.” – Angels’ pitcher C.J. Wilson
LIVE BETTING or SITUATIONAL BETTING
Following an eight run inning in a 12-7 victory over the Athletics on Friday, the Angels struggled to convert scoring opportunities and dropped the final two of the weekend set in Oakland scoring three runs combined. Sitting at 8-11 in June, the Halos have been unable to gain significant ground on the Astros and seize control of a division many expect them to win. LA couldn’t back up its improbable win from Friday, overcoming a 7-2 deficit against Sonny Gray, and left disappointed. “Just when you think you’re going to kick out of it, the next day it’s hit-or-miss again. It’s obviously frustrating,” Jared Weaver said.
PROP TALK
Colby Rasmus and George Springer hit home runs Sunday in Seattle stretching the Astros’ franchise record of hitting multiple homers to eight games. They’ve socked 20 homers in that span and lead the Majors with 103 long balls overall. Springer extended his hitting streak to 14 games by going 3 for 5 with his 12th home run Sunday. He’s hitting .485 during the streak with 12 runs, four homers and seven RBIs and has ignited the Astros’ offense from the top of the order. Springer hit .222 against the Halos in three games this season, but those at-bats came before an adjustment on his swing and placing him in the leadoff spot. Springer has two hits of C.J. Wilson in his career with both being home runs.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Angels get a great opportunity to gain ground in the AL West with the division leading Astros in town and they have a hot pitcher on the hill. C.J. Wilson has been outstanding over his last few starts and he’ll have to keep the ball in the yard against the slugging Astros. That hasn’t been too much of a problem for the Halos’ lefty, who’s surrendered just eight long balls in 93 innings. Meanwhile, LA needs to take advantage of Houston’s Collin McHugh, who has an ERA of 7.07 in his last five starts giving up seven homers in 28 innings over that stretch. It’s hard to call this a must win for the Angels, but it is.
Los Angeles 5, Houston 4
The MLB lines for this contest will first be released by BookMaker Sportsbook. Gamble on the game between every half inning with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen in the next at-bat or how many runs will be scored in the next inning. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! The ballgame pitting the Houston Astros versus the Los Angeles Angels will commence Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at 10:05 p.m. ET at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. You can watch the contest live on the MLB Network.
