The Los Angeles Angels (30-28) and the Houston Astros (33-23) play the 2nd game of their 4-game series at Minute Maid Park on Friday with 1st pitch at 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Angels vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Astros lead 3-1
The Angels fell to 2-2 on their current road trip with a 5-2 loss to Houston in the series opener on Thursday. Since winning 4 games in a row and 6 out of 7, they have lost 5 of their last 7 games.
The Astros’ win on Thursday improved them to 2-2 during their current homestand, but they have been playing quite well for a while. They have won 5 of their last 7 games and are 16-5 in their last 21 games.
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Angels at Astros projected starters
RHP Shohei Ohtani vs. LHP Framber Valdez
Ohtani (5-1, 2.91 ERA) makes his 12th start. He has a 0.95 WHIP, 3.9 BB/9 and 12.5 K/9 in 65 innings.
- Last start: No decision, 6 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 6 H, 3 BB, 10 K in 8-5 loss to Miami Marlins
- Is 3-4 with 3.51 ERA in 11 career starts vs. Astros
Valdez (5-4, 2.38 ERA) makes his 12th start. He has a 1.04 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 9.6 K/9 in 72 innings.
- Is 3-0 with 2.00 ERA in last 4 outings as Astros have won his last 4 starts
- Is 8-4 with 3.73 ERA in 16 career appearances (12 starts) vs. Angels
Angels at Astros odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Angels +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Astros -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Angels +1.5 (-190) | Astros -1.5 (+155)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Angels at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 4, Angels 3
Moneyline
This is a premier pitching matchup of AL West rivals. The Astros have won 7 out of the last 10 meetings with the Angels, whos are 15-15 on the road. The Astros are 16-13 at home, and Valdez has been lights out, allowing only 1 run in his last 15 innings.
It is super tempting to just go with the run line because the Astros typically win games by at least 2 runs, but the Angels perform too well against the spread.
BET ASTROS (-135).
Run line/Against the spread
The Astros’ last 7 victories have been by 2 or more runs, as well as 10 out of their last 12 wins. It is a good bet that if the Astros are winning the game, they will win by at least 2 runs.
But the Angels are 18-7 ATS on the season as the underdog and 17-13 ATS on the road this season. However, betting the Angels on the run line isn’t profitable enough.
Stay with the Astros on the moneyline for something safer. The Astros here on the run line is tempting but the Angels’ ATS success neutralizes the confidence.
PASS.
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Over/Under
Two of the 4 games between the teams this season have stayed under 8 total runs. Six of the last 10 matchups have finished with 7 or fewer runs.
Four of Valdez’ last 6 starts have had totals of 7 or fewer.
LEAN UNDER 7.5 (-105).
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