Astros vs Angels Prediction, Pick and Preview, April 9 (4/9): MLB

Credit: photo by Thomas Cordy-USA TODAY Sports

Odds

Key stats

Preview

The Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels will play game three of their four-game set this Saturday night. The Astros have taken the first two in juggernaut fashion, outscoring the Angels 16-7.

The Astros have jumped out to a fast start at the plate this season, and they impressive scored in six of nine innings last evening. Houston hit six home runs yesterday, and they'll likely be back in contention this season.

The Angels haven't been able to keep up with Houston thus far. After scoring two runs in the first to take their first lead of the season, Los Angeles failed to score until the 8th inning, when they were down double figures.

Pitching matchup

Astros

Justin Verlander (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will take the mound for Houston. It's nice to see 18-year vet back on the bump after a near-two year absence, and he looked solid in spring training. JV posted an impressive 21-6 record in his last full season back in 2019, winning his second Cy Young Award. If he's even a shell of himself, Verlander could deliver another vintage season at age 39.

Angels

Noah Syndergaard (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will get the home start Los Angeles. The seventh-year pitcher will also be returning to mound for the first time since 2019 essentially. Thor was dominant in New York before injuries took their toll, but he's due for a career revival in the city of angels. Syndergaard posted a 10-8 record with a 4.28 ERA in his last full season.

Prediction

Justin Verlander returning to the bump in primetime is fitting and therapeutic. JV is one of the most profitable pitchers of all-time, and with the amount of firepower he's slated to have this season, that trend should continue. Keep riding the Astros here.

Take Houston's run line, and give the over a look as no total is same with Houston on the diamond.

PICK: Astros -1.5 (+145)

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