Houston Astros at Los Angeles Angels Betting Preview/Prop Picks

The 2022 MLB season is off and running, and a pair of AL West rivals will meet up for the third straight night. The Los Angeles Angels will once again host the Houston Astros for an important series to kick off the new season.

Houston has won each of the first two games against the Angels, and they have done so in a convincing fashion. The Astros are the betting favorites to win the AL West this season, and they have looked the part to begin the year.

Los Angeles was supposed to be a threat to challenge the Houston Astros this season, but they haven't looked like it through two games. The Angels have done little right through the first two games, but the season is still just getting going. 

The Houston Astros are the moneyline betting favorites for this game, with odds set at -126.

Houston Breaking Out the Bats

The Astros have scored a total of 16 runs through the first two games, and they have done it with the long ball. Houston has already blasted eight home runs to begin the season, and they look like one of the best offenses in the league.

Alex Bregman has consistently been one of the best players in baseball, and he already has a pair of long balls through the first two games. This is a deep and talented Astros lineup, and they have feasted on the Astros pitching staff.

Justin Verlander makes his long-awaited return to the mound on Saturday night, and he has the ability to put up a low number against a struggling offense. 

Syndergaard Starting For Angels

Noah Syndergaard is set to take the mound for Los Angeles on Saturday night, and there is plenty of pressure on him to deliver. Syndergaard has been dealing with injuries of his own, and facing this Astros team won't be a fun first start.

The bats have to get going for Los Angeles as well, as this team has yet to hit a home run this season. Los Angeles has managed 17 hits to begin the year, but they just haven't found enough power to be a real threat. 

Jared Walsh has three hits and a pair of RBIs for Los Angeles, and he has done his part in the losses. 

Astros Roll to Third Straight Win

This has not been a good start to the season for the Los Angeles Angels, and things are likely going to get much tougher on Saturday. Even though this should be a great pitching matchup, there are some concerns about how long Syndergaard can go.

The Astros' offense just continues to mash, and they have shown no signs of letting up early on in the year. There are still some concerns about the depth of the lineup for Los Angeles, and that could be an issue in this one. 

This game is going to be over quickly as the Astros will cruise to yet another win. Bet the Houston Astros -2.5 as the road team dominates yet again to pick up a third straight win over the Los Angeles Angels.

Prop Picks

Houston (-110) OVER 4.5 Runs

The Astros averaged 5.34 runs per game last year, which ranked No. 1 in the league. That average increased to 5.44 runs per game on the road. Scores have gone OVER in 13 of the Astros’ last 19 road games versus the Angels.

With Dunkel predicting a Houston victory by the score of 7-5, take the Astros (-110) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 4.5 runs against the Angels.

Jose Altuve (-180) OVER 0.5 Hits

Altuve had 167 hits during the regular season in 2021, which ranked No. 2 on the Astros. He picked up his first hit of the 2022 season last night with a first inning HR against the Angels in Houston’s 13-6 win.

With Dunkel predicting another Houston victory while going OVER their Vegas team total, take Altuve (-180) to be in the offensive mix again and go OVER 0.5 hits against LA.

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