Houston @ Los Angeles preview
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Last Meeting ( Jun 2, 2013 ) Houston 5, LA Angels 4
The Houston Astros attempt to extend their season-high winning streak and complete their first sweep of a series consisting of more than two games this year when they visit the Los Angeles Angels for the finale of their four-game set on Monday. Houston is 5-0 on its six-game road trip, winning two contests in Colorado before capturing the first three meetings with Los Angeles. The five-game run on the road is Houston's longest since winning five straight from May 22-June 2, 2011.
The Astros, who are 10-7 since losing 30 of their first 40 contests, made it six wins in nine meetings with the Angels this season with a 5-4 triumph on Sunday. Carlos Corporan and Carlos Pena belted solo home runs and Matt Dominguez added an important two-run single in the ninth inning as Houston handed Los Angeles its fifth loss in seven contests. The Angels have dropped three straight at home after winning their previous six.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet (Houston), Fox Sports West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Erik Bedard (0-2, 5.32 ERA) vs. Angels RH Joe Blanton (1-8, 5.94)
Since making a relief appearance against Detroit on May 5, Bedard has been consistent, allowing two runs while working at least five innings in each of his four starts. The 34-year-old veteran has yet to notch his first victory of the season, however, and is winless since defeating San Diego on Aug. 12 while with Pittsburgh. Bedard has made nine career starts against the Angels, going 3-5 with a 4.89 ERA.
Blanton lost his first seven decisions this year before beating Kansas City on May 23. The portly right-hander was unable to make it two in a row as he took the loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday after yielding three runs over seven innings. Blanton is 2-1 with a 2.86 ERA in six career meetings (five starts) with the Astros.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blanton is 0-3 with a 7.39 ERA in five starts at Angel Stadium this season.
2. Twelve of Houston's last 17 games have been decided by two runs or fewer, with the Astros going 8-4 in those contests.
3. The Angels have been shut out three times at home this year - twice by the Astros.
PREDICTION: Angels 6, Astros 4