Los Angeles @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 3, 2013 ) Houston 2, LA Angels 1

The Los Angeles Angels are lagging 10 games off the pace in the American League West, but showed what a dangerous team they can be by going into Detroit and sweeping a three-game series from the AL Central-leading Tigers. The Angels hope to build on that momentum when they open a three-game series at the Houston Astros on Friday night. The Astros own the worst record in the AL, but they have won seven of 10 matchups against Los Angeles this season.

Astros right-hander Bud Norris would be in the conversation for the AL Cy Young Award if the Angels were the only opponent he faced. The 28-year-old Norris has won all three starts against Los Angeles this year in dominating fashion, permitting only a single run over 21 innings. Los Angeles has been beat up by division opponents, posting a 12-20 record, which includes a four-game home sweep at the hands of Houston from May 31-June 3.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports West (Los Angeles), Comcast SportsNet (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jerome Williams (5-3, 3.36 ERA) vs. Astros RH Bud Norris (5-7, 3.60)

Williams has alternated between the bullpen and starting rotation, making 19 appearances overall and eight starts. He took the loss last time out against Pittsburgh, permitting five runs (four earned) over six innings while surrendering a pair of homers. Williams took the loss in a 2-0 defeat against Norris on June 1 and is 0-2 with a 5.21 ERA in three starts in Houston.

Norris hasn't won since tossing six scoreless innings against the Angels on June 1. He subsequently lost his next three starts, giving up a total of 10 runs while watching the Astros score a meager three runs combined. Norris' winless streak reached four despite a solid outing last time out, when he allowed three runs (two earned) in six innings against the Chicago Cubs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels OF Mike Trout went 8-for-16 with a homer and five RBIs in the three games against Detroit.

2. Norris is the first pitcher to limit the Angels to one run in his first three starts against them.

3. Angels reliever Michael Kohn has allowed only two runs in his last 23 appearances.

PREDICTION: Angels 4, Astros 3