Los Angeles @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 13, 2013 ) LA Angels 7, Houston 9

The Houston Astros spent most of the season evaluating the talent in their organization and losing in their first swing through the American League. One of the few teams against which the Astros have enjoyed success is the Los Angeles Angels, who visit Houston on Saturday. The Astros took the opener of the three-game set on Friday to clinch the season series.

Matt Dominguez is one of the building blocks the Astros pushed this season, and he delivered a grand slam in Friday’s 9-7 triumph. The Angels are coming to the end of their own disappointing campaign looking for individual success, and Mike Trout continues to amaze. The second-year superstar drove in a run and scored another on Friday while walking three times to boost his on-base percentage to .438.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), CSN (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jered Weaver (9-8, 3.38 ERA) vs. Astros LH Brett Oberholtzer (4-2, 2.65)

Weaver battled through some forearm tightness on Monday at Minnesota but still managed to post his fourth straight quality start by scattering three runs and nine hits over six innings. The Long Beach State product is looking to go at least six innings for the 11th time in 12 outings on Saturday. Weaver, who has yet to face Houston this season, is 3-4 with a 4.08 ERA in 11 road starts.

Oberholtzer seems to be doing enough to guarantee himself a spot in the Astros’ 2014 rotation, posting quality starts in six of his seven turns. The 24-year-old followed up his first career shutout on Sept. 1 by holding the Oakland Athletics to a run on seven hits in six innings last Saturday. Oberholtzer earned a win over Los Angeles on Aug. 18, allowing three runs on seven hits in six frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Trout (.334) is second in the AL batting race behind Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera (.348).

2. Houston C Jason Castro (right knee) missed his fifth straight game on Friday but could serve as DH over the weekend.

3. Los Angeles 2B Howie Kendrick (left knee) returned to the lineup Friday after a 33-game absence and went 2-for-5.

PREDICTION: Astros 3, Angels 2