Los Angeles @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 21, 2018 ) LA Angels 3, Houston 11

The Houston Astros have clinched a playoff berth and will continue to work on capturing the American League West crown when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. The Astros wrapped up the postseason spot with an 11-3 trouncing of the Angels on Friday, maintaining their 3 1/2-game lead over Oakland in the division race.

Yuli Gurriel belted two homers - including a grand slam - and drove in a career-best seven runs while George Springer added a three-run blast for Houston. Astros ace Justin Verlander will be on the mound Saturday after losing his last turn against the Angels but is 4-1 with a 2.16 ERA in five meetings this season. Los Angeles' pitching staff is leaving a lot to be desired as the club has been outscored 42-6 during its three-game losing streak. Superstar Mike Trout slugged his 37th homer of the campaign - and fourth in five games - as he chases the second 40-blast season of his career.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jaime Barria (10-9, 3.61 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (16-9, 2.67)

Barria lost to Seattle in his last turn as he gave up three runs and six hits over five innings. The 22-year-old Panamanian has won his last two road outings and has a streak of 15 straight scoreless frames in contests away from home. Barria scattered three hits over six scoreless innings in a victory at Houston on Aug. 31 and is 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA in three starts against the club.

Verlander has won three consecutive starts and five of his last six. The 35-year-old has registered 40 strikeouts while issuing just five walks in 26 1/3 innings over his last four turns. Verlander lost to the Angels on Aug. 30, when he gave up three runs and five hits over 5 1/3 frames, and is 12-9 with a 3.12 ERA in 24 career meetings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) will return to the team on Saturday and be used out of the bullpen.

2. Los Angeles RF Kole Calhoun was hitless in four at-bats in the series opener and is 1-for-34 over his last nine contests.

3. Houston SS Carlos Correa (back) will miss the entire series against the Angels and is expected to return next week.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, Angels 3