With the MLB season coming to an end, the Houston Astros with an appreciable record of 84-70 are up against the struggling Los Angeles Angels who made a paltry 62-92 this season. Later that evening, a most exciting game at Minute Maid Park is reserved for this Saturday as it seeks to showcase the best of baseball and the forces of tactical realism. Stay in touch, as we will analyze this game and share the best handicapper insights.
Los Angeles Angels vs. Houston Astros 9/21/24 Game Info and Odds |
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| When: | Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 7:10 PM ET |
| Where: | Minute Maid Park |
| Watch: | SCHN, ESPN, MLB.TV |
| Angels odds: | +205 Moneyline |
| Astros odds: | -250 Moneyline |
| Total Line: | 8.5 |
Los Angeles Angels (62-92) vs. Houston Astros (84-70)
The Los Angeles Angels’ season, marred by underperformance, shows little sign of a late resurgence. The Angels have struggled particularly on the road and against teams with winning records, making their upcoming challenge against the Astros seem daunting. Over their last five games, the Angels have won only twice against the Chicago White Sox while losing thrice, including two recent losses to the Astros, indicating possible issues in handling high-pressure games.
| Los Angeles Angels Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 20, 2024 | HOU | 7-9 | Lose |
| Sep 19, 2024 | HOU | 1-3 | Lose |
| Sep 18, 2024 | CHW | 4-3 | Win |
| Sep 17, 2024 | CHW | 5-0 | Win |
| Sep 16, 2024 | CHW | 4-8 | Lose |
Conversely, the Houston Astros have shown more consistency and resilience, which is highlighted by a recent winning streak against formidable opponents, including the Angels, but a downfall against the Padres in two games. With seven victories in their last nine games, the Astros are looking robust as they head towards the postseason. The team’s strong home record further tilts the odds in their favor, making them the favorites in this upcoming matchup.
| Houston Astros Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 20, 2024 | LAA | 9-7 | Win |
| Sep 19, 2024 | LAA | 3-1 | Win |
| Sep 18, 2024 | SD | 0-4 | Lose |
| Sep 17, 2024 | SD | 4-3 | Win |
| Sep 16, 2024 | SD | 1-3 | Lose |
Reid Detmers (4-7, 6.05 ERA) vs. Ronel Blanco (11-6, 2.88 ERA)
Reid Detmers has had quite a rough season with the Angels from every viewpoint. After all, the player’s ERA was incredibly high – 6.05, and WHIP – 1.43, after 80.1 innings finished, clearly, Detmers has been much more than serviceable since he is quite susceptible to power hitters. It’s difficult to have confidence in Detmers’ recent performances and facing an Astros lineup that is very strong at home could be yet another difficult test for him.
However, it has been Ronel Blanco who has been arguably the strongest for the Astros throughout the season. With the ERA standing at 2.88 and WHIP at 1.09 after 156.1 innings pitched, Blanco has shown concentration and prowess. He has had great success in striking out batters, with very few walks surrendered and home runs allowed, and going against the Angels’ not-so-potent batting order should improve his already impressive numbers this season.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Houston Astros -250, Total Odds: 8.5
A statistical analysis indicates that based on the present form of the teams, killing off any hopes of an upset, supporters of the favorite will also get a very pleasant number which is -1.5. The total is also expected to land just south of where the total is which is an indication of a pitcher’s game more so from the Houston side.
Los Angeles Angels Betting Trends
Angels are struggling and these performances aren’t particularly helping with a dreadful 2-8 SU in their last 10 games. Also much to their woe is their away record and their head-to-head matches with the Astros which are quite contrasting so placing a bet on them on this occasion would be very risky.
Houston Astros Betting Trends
As for the other side, the Astros have quite a determination and consistency through their recent games, especially in the home games where they have been winning back to back the Angels. The Astros have a record of 7-2 SU in their last 9 games making them a dangerous team, which they are likely to take advantage of their form and the matchup dynamics.
Los Angeles Angels vs. Houston Astros 9/21/24 Betting Picks
Considering all factors, it is clear that the Astros should continue to have the upper hand against the Angels in this contest. Everything from their strong lineup to their pitching, and especially glancing at their past records at Minute Maid Park, they make more sense to the betters. Defending the Angels in this game is tough because of the road woes and the inability to beat the better teams.
When it comes to more elaborate betting, one option to go for is to target such prop bets as Ronel Blanco’s strikeouts or total home runs hit by the Astros; this can be worth the risk. With regard to over/under, if inclusivity is possible, then it is better to lean towards the over because of the Astros’ offensive capabilities and Daily MLB free insights on their home games.