Houston Astros (17-17) vs. Los Angeles Angels (19-16)
May 8, 2023 9:38 pm EDT
The Line: Los Angeles Angels -110 / Houston Astros -110 ; Over/Under: 8.5
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The Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels meet Monday in MLB action from Angel Stadium. Houston is fresh off a weekend series versus the Mariners. After a split in the first two games, in the Sunday rubber match the Astros fell by two runs. As for the Angels, they played the Rangers in their weekend set. Los Angeles also split the first two games, then on Sunday the Angels fell in a blowout. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Houston Astros
Houston managed a 6-4 win over the Mariners on Friday, but then fell 7-5 in the Saturday matchup. On Sunday the Astros were out-hit 11-6 in a 3-1 loss. Starter Brandon Bielak finished with 4.2 innings, two earned, two walks and 10 hits.
For the starter gig on Monday the Astros will go with Hunter Brown. In his six starts this year Brown is 3-1 with a 2.60 ERA and 36 Ks in 34.2 innings total. Brown is 5-1 with a 1.96 ERA in 13 career games (eight starts).
Los Angeles Angels
Over on the Angels’ side, they beat the Rangers 5-4 in the Friday game, then took a 10-1 loss in game two. In the finale Los Angeles gave up 17 hits in a 16-8 blowout defeat. Jose Suarez lasted 2.2 frames in a tough outing with seven earned, six hits and three walks.
As starter on Monday for the Angels, it’ll be Patrick Sandoval. In his six starts this year Sandoval is 3-1 with a 2.93 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 30.2 innings. Sandoval is 13-25 with a 3.63 career ERA in 69 games (62 starts).
The Astros are 51-22 in their last 73 versus the AL West and 50-24 in their last 74 road games. Houston is 134-65 in their last 199 in game one of a series.
Meanwhile, the Angels are 2-5 in their last seven Monday games and 20-8 in their last 28 at home. LA is 23-49 in their last 72 versus a team with a winning record.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll stay with the Astros here. Brown had a bit of a stumble late last month versus the Braves, but in his last two starts he’s gotten better (despite a loss on May 2). In that combined pair Brown has two earned on seven walks and six hits in 11.1 innings total. If he can keep the walks down, Brown should be fine here. On Sunday Houston didn’t have a great game, and only one player had multiple hits (Yordan Alvarez with two). I like the Astros to bounce back with a better offensive outing in this opener.
