Los Angeles Angels at Houston Astros 9/9/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Los Angeles Angels open a three-game series on the road Friday against the Houston Astros. Los Angeles is 60-77 following its 5-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani each hit home runs for the Angels but the Angels’ bullpen could not hold off the Tigers. Los Angeles is third in the American League West but a distant 28 games behind first place Houston.

Designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is batting .267 with 33 home runs, 86 RBIs, 131 hits and an on-base percentage .356 to lead Los Angeles in each category. Mike Trout is second in  both home runs with 32 and RBIs with 62. On Friday, the Los Angeles Angels will send Michael Lorenzen to the mound. The right-hander is 6-6 with a 4.94 ERA, 56 Ks and 30 BBs. Stay on top of the baseball world with our free baseball previews.

Houston improved to 88-49 following its 4-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday. Houston's Jose Altuve scored from third base on a wild pitch with two outs in the eighth inning to give the Astros the walk-off victory. Houston leads the American League West by 11 games over the second place Seattle Mariners.

Second baseman Jose Altuve is batting .290 to lead Houston and has a team high 130 hits. Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez is the leader in home runs with 31 and on-base percentage at .393, while right fielder Kyle Tucker is the leader in RBIs with 88. On Friday, the Houston Astros will send Lance McCullers Jr to the mound. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA, 20 Ks and 14 BBs.