Page’s Weekly LA Angels Predictions: Week Three

Tuesday April 18, Angels @ Astros

Probables: Ricky Nolasco vs. Joe Musgrove

A week after their second comeback victory, the Angels are an entirely new ball club. They hopefully pick up a win on Monday, and face California boy Joe Musgrove on Tuesday. The 24-year old has thrown two solid starts so far this season. He has thrown 10.1 innings this season over two starts and given up five runs (two in his first start and three in his second). Musgrove does not strike out many batters- two in each start- and is inconsistent with his control. He allowed three walks and a long ball in one start while walking one and not allowing any homers in another.

The Angels counter the young stud with Ricky Nolasco. Nolasco had solid starts in his first two of the season, but fell apart in his third start. He allowed five earned runs on eight hits. He did strike out seven batters, but also allowed two big flies. Nolasco has not found a lot of success against Astros batters in the past. Carlos Beltran has a .353 batting average against Nolasco with six walks, a home run and three RBI’s. Hopefully catcher Brian McCann has a rest day against Nolasco, as he owns a .338 batting average to go with two walks. He has an insane 13 extra-base hits with a ridiculous eight home runs and 26 RBI’s.

The odds do not seem to be in the Angels’ favor Tuesday night.

Prediction: Astros 7 Angels 4