The Astros, with the second hottest offense in the league over the last two weeks, are right there in pitching stats as well. Not so the Angels, last in hitting lately and 22nd in pitching. It is no wonder the Angels are 2-8 and the Astros the reverse at 8-2.

Lefty rookie Reid Detmers came back from Triple A recharged, and threw a 6 inning 7 strikeout shutout his first game back. Detmers has had his moments this season, including a no hitter, but results have been very mixed.

He faces another left hander, the Astros’ very fine Framber Valdez (8-4, 2.64). Valdez faced the Angels just two starts ago, allowing 2 runs over 6 innings, and striking out 13! He keeps runs allowed to a minimum and pitches for length, holding the opposition to .167 BA in July.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Detmers pitched well tomorrow, but his outings seldom last beyond the 5th or 6th inning, and, wouldn’t you know it, the Angels’ bullpen is barely a shadow of the Astros’ stellar relievers. Take the Astros, dynamite on the road and vs left handed pitching, to win going away.