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Angels shoot for another thrilling win versus Astros

Jul 5, 2014 - 1:55 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Los Angeles Angels will attempt to ride the momentum of a thrilling finish on Friday night to a third straight victory when they match up with the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Saturday evening.

Mike Trout launched a walkoff solo home run in the bottom of the ninth on Friday to complete a 7-6 comeback win for the Angels.

The Astros got out to a 6-3 lead in the fourth inning on a two-run home run from George Springer and a three-run homer from John Singleton. However, Albert Pujols answered with a two-run home run of his own in the bottom of the frame. Then an RBI double from Howie Kendrick in the seventh tied things up, setting up Trout's heroics.

Joe Smith earned his third win of the year with by tossing a scoreless ninth inning, while Tony Sipp let up Trout's game-winner to take the loss.

Houston has lost five straight games, while Los Angeles has won four of its last five.

Getting the start for Houston in Saturday's duel will be Scott Feldman.

The veteran pitcher has been solid in the first of a three-year deal he signed in the offseason with Houston. Feldman has an ERA of 3.92 and a record of 4-5 in 14 starts spanning 78 innings for his fourth Major League club.

In his most recent appearance, the 31-year-old worked six innings of two run- ball, letting up seven hits and striking out four batters against Detroit. He has lasted at least six innings in three of his last four starts, but has dropped three of his last four decisions.

Feldman has already pitched twice against the Angels this season. On April 6 he tossed a gem, allowing a single run on three hits over seven innings in a 7-4 victory for the Astros. His second turn did not go as well, as he was blasted for eight runs over four innings, although only three of those runs were earned, in a 9-3 loss on May 20.

That second outing was more in tune with Feldman's career success against the Angels. He is just 5-7 with a 5.05 ERA in 23 games, 14 of which were starts, against them.

Hector Santiago will go to the drawing board yet again on Saturday, as he searches for his first win of the season.

Santiago has filled in as a starter and reliever this season, with 10 starts and three relief appearances. However, he has not managed to earn a victory in either role, going 0-7 record with a 4.08 ERA.

The 26-year-old threw four scoreless innings in a 6-2 win for the Angels last time out.

Santiago did not start in his other appearance against Houston this season. Instead, he pitched two scoreless innings out of the bullpen in a 5-2 loss. He has only pitched three times against Houston in his career and has a 5.19 ERA in those contests.

The Angels have won eight of 12 versus the Astros this season, taking two of three in the first series held in Anaheim from May 19-21.