Los Angeles Angels - Houston Astros predictions and free betting tips [08/06/2024]

In a thrilling AL West showdown tonight, the Houston Astros will face off against the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels are still languishing at the bottom of the division with a 24-38 record, yet they have clinched three victories on the bounce. Meanwhile, the Astros sit in third place, boasting a modest 28-35 and a 4-6 in their last 10 outings.

Houston Astros

In their latest outing, the Astros struggled offensively and succumbed to the St. Louis Cardinals with a 4-2 scoreline. Framber Valdez is set to restore the team's poise. Currently, the pitcher holds a 4-3 record with a 3.95 ERA and 1.24 WHIP, slightly above his career averages. In 9 starts, Valdez has pitched 54.2 innings and recorded 42 strikeouts against 17 walks. His last match was commendable: he pitched 7 solid innings against the Twins, allowing only 2 hits and 1 run.

Los Angeles Angels

The Halos managed to sweep the San Diego Padres, which can be seen as a significant achievement. Following the loss of Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles signed 8 free-agent contracts, 7 of which were pitchers, each for just one year. The rebuild is in full swing, yet playoff aspirations remain distant. Griffin Canning will take the mound in this game. The right-hander has a 2-5 record with a 4.69 ERA in 12 games, striking out 45 over 63.1 IP while issuing 24 walks. Since early May, Canning has been consistent, conceding 3 or fewer runs. In his last start against the Seattle Mariners, he pitched 6.2 innings, allowing 4 hits and just 1 run.

Match Prediction: Los Angeles Angels vs. Houston Astros

For some reason, the edge goes to Houston, but I like the Halos' chances. Canning has been reliable in his recent starts, and the Angels have won the last two games against Framber Valdez. Now seems the perfect time for the home team to continue their successful run, so I'm opting to play it safe and take them with a +2 run line.