Angels vs. Astros Prediction and Odds for July 2 (Javier Continues Dominant Stretch)

The 48-27 Houston Astros have won three straight as they open a AL West series with the 37-41 Los Angeles Angels tonight at 8:10 PM EST.

Houston is rolling, winners of 11 of 14, and start Cristian Javier in this one. He's coming off seven no-hit innings against the Yankees and is exceptional at home, compiling a 1.95 ERA.

Michael Lorenzen gets the call for an Angels squad that's won three of four themselves. Lorenzen is struggling though, with a 6.75 ERA in June and a 6.14 road ERA.

Can he right the ship against Houston or will the Astros keep rolling behind Javier?

Let's check out the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook to find the value in this Angels vs Astros series-opening matchup:

Angels vs Astros Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

• Angels +1.5 (-160)
• Astros -1.5 (+1130)

Moneyline:

• Angels: +139
• Astros: -149

Total:

• 8.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Angels vs Astros Prediction and Pick

I commend the Angels for taking two of three from the White Sox, but this team still can't be trusted and they're overmatched in Houston.

Cristian Javier threw seven dazzling, no-hit innings against the best team in baseball last week, outdueling Gerrit Cole in the process. He struck out 13 batters while walking just one, and now faces an Angels lineup that strikes out at the second-highest rate in MLB.

Michael Lorenzen, on the other hand, has steadily declined after a strong start to the season. His 6.75 June ERA pales in comparison to Javier's recent performance and he already gave up four runs in just 3.1 innings to Houston earlier this season.

The Astros have won five of six as home favorites and have the superior lineup, starter, defense, and bullpen. Los Angeles, meanwhile, has been dreadful as road underdogs, going 2-13 in their last 15 while averaging 2.23 runs per game in the losses.

I'll back Houston on the run line at plus odds, but I also like the under. It's 13-3-1 in the Angels' last 17 and 7-2-1 in Javier's starts this year. Expect an Astros victory somewhere in the neighborhood of 5-1.

Pick: Astros -1.5 (+130) and Under 8.5 (-115)

I'll be playing both of these bets individually. However, if you're feeling rambunctious and want to kick your holiday weekend off with a bang, then a parlay of the two picks pays out +333 odds (bet $25 to win $83.34).

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.