Houston @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( May 9, 2013 ) LA Angels 6, Houston 5

The Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels will try to build off rare two-game winning streaks this season when they open a four-game series Friday at Angel Stadium. The Astros are 7-7 since starting the season 10-30. The Angels have moved within 5 1/2 games of first place in the American League wild-card standings thanks to five straight losses by the New York Yankees. Six teams still remain between them and first place in the wild-card race. The Angels have won 10 of their last 12 games.

Houston outfielder J.D. Martinez had a career-high four hits in Thursday’s victory and is 8-for-13 in the last three games. Matt Dominguez, a Southern California native who’s considered a defensive stalwart at third base for the Astros but lacking in offense, has hit all seven of his home runs in May. Angels right-fielder Josh Hamilton did not start the last two games because of back spasms, but entered Thursday’s game in the eighth inning as a defensive replacement.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Houston, Fox Sports West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (1-2, 5.09 ERA) vs. Angels RH Tommy Hanson (2-1, 3.86)

Keuchel didn’t make the team out of spring training but was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City the first week of the season. He went back and forth once more before taking a spot in the starting rotation previously owned by Philip Humber, who went from throwing a perfect game last season for the Chicago White Sox to losing his first eight decisions this spring before he was ultimately designated for assignment. Keuchel has faced some good lineups in his four starts, getting a no-decision against the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers, beating the Kansas City Royals and losing his last start to the Oakland Athletics.

Hanson returns to the starting rotation after missing the past three-plus weeks following the sudden-death of his 26-year-old step-brother. He spent six days away from the team in late April, returned to make two starts but then requested more time. He should help a team that has found its legs since he was gone, winning 13 of 23 games. Hanson struck out a career-high 14 against the Astros in 2011, which remains the Minute Maid Park record. He’s 4-1 in his career against Houston with a 2.11 ERA in seven career starts. Hanson has been exceptional with runners in scoring position this season, holding opponents to 3-for-38.

WALK-OFFS

1. Hanson and Keuchel were both born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

2. The Astros last won two straight game three-plus weeks ago against the Angels.

3. The Angels did not commit an error while splitting their last four games against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

PREDICTION: Angels 8, Astros 4.