Los Angeles Angels
Unlike New York, Los Angeles doesn’t own a winning record against Houston. However, it provided the Astros with tit-for-tat battles during their two series.
The matchup with Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani was anticipated, and it didn’t disappoint. Moreover, the Angels enjoyed a good start to the season. When the two teams squared off, it seemed like the major race in the AL West.
At this point, much has changed.
Yet, even when Houston battled Los Angeles a second time, the Angels were a tough matchup. All six games between the two squads were decided by three runs or fewer.
Also, each bout was a spectacle featuring stars like Mike Trout and Jose Altuve. Surprisingly, Houston kept the outfielder in check during his historic season.
But now the Astros are in a season-long conflict with the Mariners for the divisional crown. That doesn’t mean Los Angeles will go down easy.
The Angels may be clinging to a .500 record, but they rank fifth in the league in home runs, while their pitchers rank sixth in strikeouts.
Once healthy, they have a lineup and pitching staff that could make some noise. And they will have plenty of opportunities to limit the Astros’ lead in the West.
The two clubs face off 13 more times during the second half of the season. If Houston can score more runs against the Southern California squad, it can easily win the four series against them.