Angels vs Yankees predictions
When you look at the Los Angeles Angels’ lineup heading into Yankee Stadium, there are a few guys that instantly catch your eye. Nolan Schanuel, who’s been quietly productive with a .282 average, looks primed to post a multi-hit game and keep his streaky bat alive with a solid approach at the plate. Taylor Ward is always a power threat, and given his tendency to rise to the occasion, you wouldn’t be shocked to see him leave the yard or at least drive in a couple of runs. Add in some young speed like Zach Neto, who’s sneaky with both the glove and bat, and the Angels have just enough pop to make things interesting against a tough New York crowd. Of course, with Jose Soriano on the mound, the Angels are likely to need some early runs—his stuff is electric but he sometimes struggles to keep the walks down, so the bullpen might get involved sooner rather than later.
On the other side, the New York Yankees just keep churning out offense like a powerhouse. Aaron Judge, what can you even say at this point? He’s mashing everything, flirting with the top of the league in homers and RBI, and it’s easy to pencil him in for another big night—think a couple knocks, a walk or two, maybe even a bomb for the highlight reels. Cody Bellinger adds more balance to the lineup, taking confident swings, and he’s a good bet to get on base and swipe a bag if the opportunity arises. Don’t overlook infielders like DJ LeMahieu and Anthony Volpe—both have been great at setting the table and making things happen in the bottom half of the lineup, giving the Yankees a relentless feel from top to bottom. With Clarke Schmidt taking the ball, and the way he’s been missing bats lately, there’s a real sense that New York’s pitching could keep the Angels’ bats in check.
So, who comes out on top in this first game of the series? Considering the Yankees’ home record and the way their lineup stacks up against an Angels team that has struggled for consistent production, it feels like New York is set up for success. The combination of Judge’s hot streak, reliable pitching from Clarke Schmidt, and the energy that comes with playing in the Bronx should be enough to help the Yankees grab the opener and keep their momentum rolling. Would you bet against this squad at home, especially with the way they’re swinging it right now? That’s a tough proposition for any team, Angels included.
