The Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Angels meet Saturday in MLB action from Angel Stadium. This will be the second installment in a three-game set between these teams this week. In the Friday opener, LA posted a walk-off win. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Baltimore played the Astros this week to a sweep, taking wins 9-7, 13-3 and 5-2. In the opener Friday versus the Angels, the O’s had a lead in the third but ended up losing 8-7. Keegan Akin lasted 3.0 innings with four earned on seven hits.
For the starter job in the Saturday game two, Baltimore will go with Jorge Lopez. This year Lopez is 2-10 with a 5.92 ERA and 73 strikeouts. Lopez is coming off 4.2 innings with 10 hits and five earned on June 27.
Over on the Angels’ side, they played the Yankees in three games this week, taking wins on Monday and Wednesday. In the Friday game, the Angels put up 12 team hits in the comeback win. Griffin Canning logged 2.2 innings with six earned on two walks and six hits.
For the starter role in the Saturday matchup, the Angels are sending out Alex Cobb. This year over his 53.0 innings Cobb has 52 hits, 34 runs (30 earned), three homers, 17 walks, 63 Ks and a 5.09 ERA.
The Orioles are 29-60 in their last 89 versus the AL West and 19-43 in their last 62 road games. Baltimore is 27-62 in their last 89 Saturday games and 18-44 in their last 62 in game two of a series.
Meanwhile, the Angels are 1-4 in their last five in game two of a series and 2-5 in their last seven with the total set at 7.0-8.5. The over is 4-0 in LA’s last four Saturday games and 7-0 in their last seven in game two of a series.
PICK: I’m going to take a shot on the Orioles here. Cobb has been sketchy over his last four starts, posting 16 earned across 19.2 innings during that span. He’s coming off 4.0 innings with six earned on six hits and a walk versus the Rays. If Baltimore can get their offense going early in this one I can see them banging out a win. Should be another fun matchup.