Page’s Weekly LA Angels Predictions: Week Five

Sunday, May 7 vs. Astros

Probables: Matt Shoemaker vs. Matt Fiers

In the rubber match of this series, both teams send out pitchers who have been inconsistent this season. For the Astros, it will be right-handed pitcher Mike Fiers. Fiers has had a disappointing season, owning an 0-1 record and 5.21 ERA through four starts. His kryptonite has been the long ball, as he has given Jered Weaver a run for his money, allowing eight home runs in four starts. Fiers has yet to face the Angels this season, but it does not look good for him. In road games this year, his ERA skyrockets to 6.75. Against Angels hitters, he has allowed seven big flies to five different batters (CJ Cron and Albert Pujols have each struck twice). The Angels will have to ride the long ball to a victory, which they have shown capable of despite ranking 23rd in the MLB in homers.

Matt Shoemaker will get his second start of the week to round out this series. He has been inconsistent this far in the season, but did well in a start against the Astros earlier this season. Fiers threw seven innings of three hits baseball, allowing two home runs on two solo shots (another tribute to Jered Weaver). He struck out seven in that start while walking two batters. Jose Altuve has been a pest for Shoemaker, owning a .348 average against him with two homers

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Next: Can the Angels Continue Interleague Dominance?

In two home starts at home this season, Shoemaker has a 7.71 ERA, which could spell disaster. This could easily be the highest scoring game of the series, and could be another bullpen heavy game for the Halos.

Prediction- Angels 8, Astros 6