Astros vs Angels predictions
When you look at the Houston Astros’ lineup heading into Game 2 against the Los Angeles Angels, it’s hard not to expect another strong showing from key bats. Jeremy Pena is carrying a hot .328 average and has looked locked in lately, so don’t be surprised if he racks up multi-hit night here, maybe even crossing the plate once or twice. Isaac Paredes, who leads the club in both home runs and RBIs, is another guy who can make noise—he’s got both the patience and the pop to send a ball deep or push runners across. Sprinkle in contributions from contact guys like Jose Altuve and Yainer Diaz, both projected for a hit or more each, and the Astros’ top half looks ready to do damage against Jose Soriano. On the mound, Brandon Walter should be good for solid innings, with an expected handful of strikeouts and a knack for keeping the ball in the park.
On the flip side, the Angels’ lineup has some pop too, but they’ve had to scratch and claw for offense all season. Taylor Ward is always a threat—leading the team with 19 homers and 50 RBIs—but I see him settling in for a single hit and maybe driving in a run if the top of the order gets aboard. Nolan Schanuel can spray the ball around and should be good for a hit, as well, while Luis Rengifo’s ability to reach base and swipe a bag or two could be a wild card if he can get on. It’s Logan O’Hoppe I’d keep an eye on behind the plate—he’s coming off a couple of clutch performances and looks primed to sneak in an extra-base hit. Starter Jose Soriano has shown flashes of brilliance but expect the Astros to work his pitch count and scratch out a couple of runs through the middle innings.
All things considered, the Houston Astros just seem to have too much firepower and depth up and down the lineup for the Los Angeles Angels. Houston comes in with confidence and a lineup that’s been consistently putting the ball in play, while the Angels are still figuring out how to find rhythm against top pitching. Combine that with Walter’s steady hand on the mound and the Astros’ opportunistic offense, and it feels like Houston is in a great spot to take Game 2 and stretch their series lead. Are you leaning the same way? This one shapes up as another notch in the win column for the ‘Stros.
