Larry's Situational Stunner (16-5 s/July 1)
(MLB) Houston vs. LA Angels, 09/02/2022 9:38 PM, Score: 4 - 2
Money Line: -139.00 Houston (Away)
Result: Win
My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Hou Astros at 9:38 ET.

The Houston Astros entered the season having won the NL West in FOUR of the previous five seasons (three WS appearances in that span) and were preseason favorites to repeat as AL West champs. The Astros haven't disappointed. Thye open a three-game series in Anaheim against the Angels, owners of the AL's best record at 84-47 and with an 11-game lead over Seattle in the division. Los Angeles came out strong to open the current season and through May 24th, was 27-17. That left them just ONE game behind the Astros in the AL West. However, the Angels began a 14-game losing streak on May 25 that lasted through June 8. The Angels have never really recovered and at 57-74, are well on their way to missing the postseason for the 12th time in the last 13 years.

Lance McCullers Jr. (1-1, 1.69 ERA) will make the start for Houston, while LA counters with Reid Detmers (5-4, 3.47 ERA). McCullers was 13-5 with a 3.16 ERA for Houston in 2021 over 28 starts. The Astros were 17-11 in those starts and then he held the White Sox to one ER in two postseason starts (10.2 IP), with Houston winning both games. This marks just his fourth start since joining the active roster after missing the first four months of the season with a strained right flexor tendon in his forearm. He's posted an excellent 1.69 ERA in his first three. Detmers will be on the mound for the Angels to make his 21st start of the season. Detmers pitched just 20.2 innings last year (7.74 ERA / 1.79 WHIP) but has been effective for most of the season (pitched a no-hitter back on May 10).

The Angels are playing well, having won five of six, but don't be fooled. Houston is BY FAR the better team and I have really liked the way McCullers has pitched since returning to the rotation.

Good luck...Larry