In this article, we will formulate an Astros vs Angels prediction for this MLB game on Friday, June 20, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.

Houston Astros Betting Preview

The Houston Astros (43-32, 16-19 Away) are unbeaten in the last eight series. In the most recent one against the Athletics, they had an opportunity to clinch it in Game 4, but fell short 6-4 in extra innings, and the series ended in a split. Victor Caratini led the offense with a three-run homer, while Colton Gordon pitched for 5.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits with four strikeouts and one walk. Josh Hader took the loss.

This season, the Astros average 4.28 runs per game (15th in the MLB) on a .259/.323/.403 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Astros’ staff has a 3.42 ERA (6th) and 1.14 WHIP (2nd). Isaac Paredes leads the Astros with a .249 batting average, 15 home runs, and 44 RBI this season.

Hunter Brown will take the mound for the Astros on Friday. The 26-year-old right-hander has an 8-3 record in 14 starts this year with a 1.88 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 86.0 innings.

Los Angeles Angels Betting Preview

The Los Angeles Angels (36-38, 15-16 Away) bounced back from getting swept by the Baltimore Orioles with a series win over the New York Yankees on the road. The Angels exploited the Yankees’ recent struggles and beat them in three of four games. They were close to sweeping them, but the Yanks were better in Game 4, winning 7-3. Tyler Anderson took the loss after allowing four runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and two walks in 6.0 innings.

This year, the Angels average 4.11 runs per game (22nd in the MLB) on a .226/.288/.398 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Angels’ staff has a 4.63 ERA (24th) and 1.46 WHIP (28th). Taylor Ward leads the Angels with a .209 batting average, 19 home runs, and 50 RBI this season.

The projected starting pitcher for the Angels is Yusei Kikuchi, who is 2-6 in 15 starts this season, with a 3.05 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 82.2 innings.

Total Runs Facts

Each of the Angels’ last four night games after playing the previous day have gone UNDER the total runs line.
Five of the Astros’ last six games following an extra innings loss have gone UNDER the total runs line.
The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Astros’ last seven Friday night games against AL West opponents.
The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in five of the Angels’ last six night games against American League opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

The Angels rank 29th in the league for batting average this season (.225).
The Angels rank 29th in the league for strikeouts against this season (719).
The Astros rank 2nd in the league for opponent batting average this season (.219).
The Astros rank 2nd in the league for hits allowed this season (534).

Astros vs Angels Prediction

The Astros won eight of the previous ten H2H encounters, including two of three this season. Although I am leaning toward the Astros in this game, I am opting for Under instead because I am impressed with Yusei Kikuchi’s recent form. He was one of the best AL pitchers in May, finishing the month with a 1.89 ERA. Kikuchi allowed six runs in three starts in June, but those are still nice numbers. Hunter Brown, on the other hand, is a serious Cy Young Award candidate, and he surrendered more than two runs in a game just twice this season. Brown allowed a .139 BA in 36 at-bats against the Angels in his career, while Kikuchi allowed a .205 BA in 73 at-bats against the Astros. Go with Under.

Oliver Zivic's Pick: Under 8.5