Angels vs. Astros (July 1): How will Javier follow New York no-no?

Six days ago, Houston Astros pitcher Cristian Javier had a hand in one of the rarest feats in baseball: no-hitting the New York Yankees. Tonight, he hits the mound for the first time since then as the Astros open their home series with the Los Angeles Angels.

Javier pitched seven outstanding innings against the Yankees, striking out 13 and walking one. After he exited after 115 pitches, relievers Hector Neris and Ryan Pressly sealed the deal as the Yankees were no-hit for the first time since 2003.

It’s been a winning week for Houston so far, as they took two against the Mets at Citi Field then edged the Yankees last night at Minute Maid Park. The Angels, meanwhile, are looking to follow up a solid series win against the Chicago White Sox with a strong performance in Houston this weekend.

Los Angeles Angels vs. Houston Astros Betting Odds and Matchup Information

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Los Angeles Angels (37-41, 16-18 away, tied for 3rd in the AL West) vs. Houston Astros (48-27, 21-11 home, 1st in the AL West)
• Venue & Location: Minute Maid Park (Houston, Texas)
• Date: Friday, July 1, 2022
• Game Time: 8:10 p.m. Eastern Time (7:10 p.m. local time)
• TV Broadcast/Streaming Info: Apple TV+

Angels vs. Astros Pitching Matchup

• Los Angeles Angels: Michael Lorenzen (2022: 12 starts, 6-5, 4.24 ERA)
• Houston Astros: Cristian Javier (2022: 14 appearances – 10 starts, 5-3, 2.73 ERA)

Angels vs. Astros Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline. This article may also feature odds from our other top recommended online sportsbooks.

Moneyline

• Los Angeles Angels +144
• Houston Astros -172

Over/Under

• OVER 8 (-114)
• UNDER 8 (-106)

Run Line

• Los Angeles Angels +1.5 (-144)
• Houston Astros -1.5 (+120)

Starters Continue to Lead the Way for Astros

If you’ve been here the past few days, you will have noted my multiple mentions of the success that Houston’s starting pitchers are having at the moment.

That only continued yesterday, as Luis Garcia gave up just one run, three hits, and two walks and struck out six in 5.1 innings in the Astros’ 2-1 win.

It was Houston’s eighth win in their last ten games, and in that stretch, they have not had a starting pitcher give up more than three runs. Other than two collapses against the Yankees last week, the bullpen has done a great job of backing up those efforts.

Tonight, we will likely see more of the same, unfortunately for the Angels. At home, Javier has a 1.95 ERA in seven appearances (five starts), and opponents are hitting just .168 against him at Minute Maid Park. he has allowed just 19 hits and seven runs (all earned) in 32.1 innings.

Los Angeles Angels vs. Houston Astros Prediction and Best Bets

Angels vs. Astros Prediction: Astros to win

Angels vs. Astros Best Bets: Astros -1.5 (+125 at BetUS & MyBookie) & Angels team total under 3.5 runs (-115 at BetOnline)

After tallying six quality starts in his first eight starts this season, Lorenzen had only one quality start in his four June starts. This is the first time he has been a regular part of a starting rotation since he was a rookie in 2015, so some ups and downs should be expected.

As it pertains to tonight, Lorenzen has a 6.14 ERA on the road in five starts, and he had a short outing in his lone visit to Houston this season. In his second start of the season, he allowed four runs, four hits, and two walks in 3.1 innings in an 8-3 loss.

He may not have an early exit tonight, but the forecast is not a favorable one for the Angels. They are just 4-12 as a road underdog this season, while the Astros are 20-9 as a home favorite.

The ML doesn’t provide much value here, but the run line is a solid choice when the Angels are unlikely to find much success at the plate against Javier.

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