Astros at Angels
The Houston Astros look to leave town with a split of their four-game series when they visit the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday for the finale. George Springer belted a three-run homer and Michael Brantley hit a two-run shot as the Astros cruised to an 11-2 victory on Wednesday after losing the first two games of the set.
Jose Altuve recorded two hits for the second straight game and is 22-for-60 with seven multi-hit performances in his last 13 contests for Houston. Springer has belted three homers in the series while helping the Astros maintain a 4 1/2-game lead over Oakland in the American League West. Los Angeles, which had its five-game winning streak halted on Wednesday, expects to have Mike Trout (calf) back in the lineup for the finale after he missed the first three games of the series. Albert Pujols, who registered six RBIs in the first two contests before sitting out on Wednesday, also figures to play.
TV: 9:07 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), FS West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Wade Miley (7-4, 3.32 ERA) vs. Angels RH Matt Harvey (3-4, 6.88)
Miley served up three homers to Texas in his last turn but still escaped with a no-decision after giving up five runs - three earned - and four hits over 6 2/3 innings. The 32-year-old has posted a 4.50 ERA in 11 road starts compared to a superb 1.86 mark in eight home outings. Miley defeated the Angels on May 4, when he gave up two runs and six hits over six frames, to improve to 3-0 with a 2.22 ERA in four career starts against the club.
Harvey missed more than seven weeks with back issues but was solid in his return, allowing one run and four hits over 5 2/3 innings while defeating Seattle. Despite the good performance, the 30-year-old is just 2-3 with an 8.91 ERA in seven home starts. Harvey lost to the Astros on May 5, when he gave up five runs and five hits over 4 2/3 frames, and is 0-2 with a 16.20 ERA in two career starts versus the team.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels RHP Noe Ramirez was suspended three games - he immediately appealed - for plunking Astros OF Jake Marisnick in the back on Tuesday while MGR Brad Ausmus drew a one-game suspension, forcing bench coach Josh Paul to run the club Wednesday.
2. Marisnick, likely targeted by the Angels as retaliation for crashing into C Jonathan Lucroy (concussion/nose) earlier this month, is 5-for-7 over his last two games.
3. Los Angeles INF Zack Cozart underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on Wednesday.