Los Angeles Angels slugger Mike Trout is no stranger to tearing the cover off the baseball, as the two-time American League Most Valuable Player leads the majors in home runs (23), runs (60) and on-base percentage (.469). Trout is set to play in his 1,000th career game when the Angels open a four-game series at home against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday. Sportsbooks opened the Halos as -153 home favorites with a total of 7.5.
- The total has gone OVER in six of the Angels’ last seven games (avg combined score: 10.86).
- The Blue Jays are 1-8 SU and ATS in their last nine games on the road.
- The total has gone OVER in 10 of the Blue Jays’ last 14 games on the road (avg combined score: 9.21).
Who has the edge in the pitching matchup?
Aaron Sanchez and Tyler Skaggs are slated to get the ball for the Jays and Angels, respectively. Sanchez (3-5, 4.35 ERA) notched his second straight no-decision in his last start despite striking out a season high-tying eight batters while allowing three runs in six innings against the Washington Nationals. The 25-year-old owns a 0-1 mark with a 2.03 ERA in three career appearances vs the Angels. Justin Upton (5-for-10) has enjoyed great success against Sanchez, while Ian Kinsler (1-for-12) hasn’t fared quite as well when facing the hurler.
Skaggs (6-4, 2.81) improved to 3-0 with a 0.45 ERA in his past three starts after surrendering two runs and ringing up eight strikeouts over seven innings in an 8-4 triumph over the Oakland Athletics. The 26-year-old possesses a 2-2 record with a 4.11 ERA in five career starts against Toronto but recorded a no-decision despite giving up two home runs over five innings vs the Blue Jays on May 23.
Trends are pointing heavily to the OVER
Sharp OVER bettors will pay close attention to this one. The OVER is 6-1 in the Angels’ last seven games with an average combined score of 10.9 runs. On the year, Los Angeles’ 4.6 runs per game and 8.5 hits per game rank above the league averages of 4.4 runs and 8.3 hits. In their OVER streak, the Halos’ average total faced is 8.5, so the 7.5 O/U looks even more enticing.
Road woes are common for Blue Jays
The Blue Jays, who own a 14-19 SU road record on the year, have been struggling immensely away from Rogers Centre of late. Toronto is 1-8 SU and ATS in its past nine road tilts, including a series sweep at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays in which they produced only five runs in three games. Before that series, Toronto dropped two of three to the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park from June 1-3 and got swept at the hands of the Boston Red Sox from May 28-30.
