Houston @ Los Angeles preview
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Last Meeting ( Jun 1, 2013 ) Houston 2, LA Angels 0
The Houston Astros secured their longest winning streak of the season Saturday with a 2-0 triumph over the Los Angeles Angels. They attempt to clinch their second straight series victory when the American League West rivals meet at Angel Stadium in the third contest of their four-game set. Chris Carter hit a two-run homer and Bud Norris tossed six strong innings Saturday as Houston posted its fourth consecutive win.
All four of the victories have come on the road, where the Astros have not captured five straight since May 22-June 2, 2011. Before visiting the Angels, Houston won three of four against Colorado, with the first two games taking place at Minute Maid Park. Los Angeles has struggled of late, losing four of its last six following an eight-game winning streak.
TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet (Houston), Fox Sports West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Jordan Lyles (2-1, 4.50 ERA) vs. Angels LH C.J. Wilson (4-3, 3.95)
Lyles is coming off his longest outing of the season, a seven-inning performance against Colorado in which he allowed one run and six hits but did not factor in the decision. The 22-year-old has pitched well since being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City, surrendering three or fewer runs in five of his six starts. Lyles won his only career outing against the Angels on May 7, when he gave up three runs and four hits over five frames.
In contrast to Lyles, Wilson had his shortest start of the year last time out as he was tagged for six runs and nine hits over 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 32-year-old is 1-1 in two outings against the Astros this season, allowing one run over six frames in a home victory on April 14 and yielding seven runs (two earned) over 6 1/3 innings in a road loss on May 7 despite recording a season-high 12 strikeouts. Wilson owns a 4-2 record with two saves in 16 career meetings (six starts) with Houston.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Astros have gone 9-7 since losing 30 of their first 40 games this season.
2. Los Angeles has dropped two straight at home after winning its previous six.
3. Houston has won five of its first eight meetings with the Angels in 2013.
PREDICTION: Angels 7, Astros 2