Stephen Nover's Run Line Game of the Month
(MLB) LA Angels vs. Houston, 09/10/2021 8:10 PM, Score: 5 - 10
Point Spread: 1.50 | -116.00 LA Angels (Away)
Result: Loss
Shohei Ohtani leads the majors with 43 homers and topps the American League with a .608 slugging percentage.

He's also not bad when it comes to pitching.

Ohtani is 9-1 with a 2.97 ERA. He's won his last eight decisions posting a 3.09 ERA with 85 strikeouts in 75 2/3 innings during this span. The Angels are 10-3 in Ohtani's last 13 starts.

So I feel very strong in backing Ohtani especially on the road taking 1 1/2 runs with an extra at bat being the visiting team. Ohtani faced the Astros once this year - giving up one run on four hits with one walk and 10 strikeouts in seven innings back on May 11.

Houston starter Framber Valdez has been solid with a 9-5 record and 3.08 ERA. The Astros' bullpen, though, hasn't been looking good lately. Valdez also has a mediocre 4.27 ERA in nine career appearances versus the Angels, including five starts.

The Angels were idle Thursday. They are 5-0 the past five times following a day off.