Houston @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 30, 2013 ) LA Angels 3, Houston 1

The Los Angeles Angels are grateful to have the Houston Astros in the American League West - if for no other reason than they are keeping the Angels from occupying the division basement. Los Angeles snapped a four-game losing streak and avoided a four-game sweep with an 8-4 win over the New York Yankees on Thursday. It was only the third win in 11 games for the Angels, who try to halt a four-game home slide when they face the Astros on Friday in the opener of a three-game series.

Houston was denied a sweep with a 5-0 loss in Oakland on Thursday, but it still took two of three to end a streak of 12 consecutive series losses. Thursday's defeat was the 12th shutout for the Astros, who continue to struggle offensively as they've scored two runs or fewer in four of their last five games. Houston opened the month with 10 losses in 11 contests before winning back-to-back games against Oakland, marking its first two-game winning streak since a four-game run in mid-June.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, CSN (Houston), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Brad Peacock (1-4, 6.43 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jerome Williams (5-8, 4.85)

Peacock has pitched well in two starts since being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City, but he has nothing to show for it despite allowing four runs in 13 innings. He gave up one run on three hits in six frames versus Texas last time out and struck out 10 in seven innings in his previous outing at Minnesota. Peacock has been prone to the long ball, surrendering 11 homers in 42 frames.

Williams is seeking his first win in more than two months, as he went 0-6 in 11 appearances since his last victory at Baltimore on June 12. He allowed a pair of two-run homers but was not involved in the decision at Cleveland last time out and gave up five runs over 5 1/3 frames in his previous start versus Texas. One of his best efforts came at Houston on June 28, when he allowed one run in 6 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels CF Mike Trout is riding an on-base streak of 37 straight games.

2. Astros C Jason Castro has collected 10 RBIs during his 12-game hitting streak.

3. Angels LF Josh Hamilton has hit in seven straight games and is batting .342 with 12 homers in 45 contests versus Houston.

PREDICTION: Angels 5, Astros 4