Astros at Angels
The Houston Astros haven't had much to celebrate, but chances are the Los Angeles Angels were unwilling spectators when they did. With eight of their majors-worst 40 wins this season coming at the expense of their new American League West rival, the visiting Astros will look to record a series victory Saturday. Chris Carter belted a three-run homer to highlight a career-high five-run performance as Houston posted an 8-2 triumph Friday.
While the Astros have won eight of the 14 meetings in 2013, the Angels dropped their season-high fifth consecutive contest at home and ninth in 12 outings overall. Los Angeles saw the return of outfielder Peter Bourjos from a wrist injury Friday, but he went 0-for-3. The Angels continue to flounder within their own division, posting an 18-34 mark.
TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, CSN Houston, FSN West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (5-7, 4.97 ERA) vs. Angels RH Garrett Richards (3-5, 4.04)
Keuchel suffered his second loss in three outings after yielding six runs on eight hits in 8 2/3 innings against Texas on Sunday. The 25-year-old has struggled in his last 10 starts, sporting a 1-4 mark. Keuchel picked up the win against Los Angeles on May 31, allowing two runs on six hits in seven strong innings in a 6-3 victory.
Richards was saddled with a hard-luck loss in his last outing despite permitting two runs on seven hits in eight innings against the New York Yankees. The 25-year-old allowed a homer versus the Yankees - only his seventh this season in 93 2/3 innings. Richards struck out two in one scoreless inning of relief versus Houston on June 29.
WALK-OFFS
1. Erick Aybar became the fourth Angels' SS to score 400 runs in his career when he crossed the plate on a groundout Friday.
2. Carter has a team-leading 23 homers - including four in his last seven contests. Carter has dominated Richards, going 4-for-6 with a homer.
3. Los Angeles OF Mike Trout reached base for the 38th straight contest Friday, and made another stellar play in the field to deny a home run.