Los Angeles @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 28, 2013 ) LA Angels 4, Houston 2

The Los Angeles Angels had their hottest stretch of the season halted by the Houston Astros earlier this month, but they are intent on avoiding a repeat this time around. The visiting Angels will seek their fifth consecutive victory when they square off with Houston on Saturday afternoon in the middle game of a three-game set. Los Angeles won the series opener 4-2 on Friday night to snap a string of four straight losses to the Astros.

Houston contributed to its demise by committing a pair of errors that led to the tying and go-ahead runs for Los Angeles. Center fielder Brandon Barnes made a pair of sensational catches, but he also had one of the pivotal miscues, pushing the Astros' error total to a major league-worst 63. J.D. Martinez broke out of a 4-for-37 funk by collecting three hits and Jason Castro hit his 11th homer.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports West (Los Angeles), Comcast SportsNet (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Joe Blanton (1-10, 5.26 ERA) vs. Astros RH Jordan Lyles (4-2, 3.68)

Blanton's two starts against the Astros in the past 7 1/2 weeks have in many ways typified his season. He took the loss at home against Houston on June 3 despite a stellar performance in which he struck out 11 and allowed only two runs on three hits, and also lost in Houston on May 8 after giving up three runs in 6 2/3 innings. He has allowed three runs or fewer in eight of his last 11 starts.

Lyles had not allowed more than two runs in seven consecutive starts until he was rocked for eight runs (five earned) and 10 hits in five innings of a 14-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs his last time out. He won both his starts against the Angels this season, but hasn't managed to get through six innings in either one. He needs one win to match his career high set a year ago.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blanton is 2-2 with a 2.74 ERA in seven appearances (six starts) against the Astros.

2. Astros 3B Matt Dominguez has nine RBIs in 11 games versus the Angels this season.

3. Angels 1B Mark Trumbo has homered twice in six at-bats against Lyles.

PREDICTION: Angels 4, Astros 3