Angels, Astros Set for Afternoon Finale in Houston

HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Los Angeles Angels look to secure a series win when they face the Houston Astros in an afternoon matchup Sunday at Daikin Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. CDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature of 74 degrees.

The Angels (2-0) have taken two of the first three games of this opening series, including a 6-2 victory Friday night. Houston (0-2) avoided a sweep with an 11-6 win Saturday.

Los Angeles will send right-hander Jack Kochanowicz to the mound. Houston’s probable starter is right-hander Tatsuya Imai. Both pitchers’ season records were not specified.

A player to watch for the Angels is outfielder Josh Lowe, who went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs in Friday’s win. For the Astros, reliever Steven Okert has been effective, tossing 1 2/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts in the series.

Despite the Angels’ early success, betting markets favor Houston. The Astros are installed as a -1.5 run favorite, and the over/under is set at 8.5 runs. Projections are split: Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 2-0 Angels victory, while its ELO system gives the Astros a 64.3% probability to win.

Following the game, the Angels travel to Chicago for a three-game set with the Cubs beginning Monday. The Astros will remain home to host the Boston Red Sox for a three-game series starting Monday.