Angels Hold 1-0 Lead Over Astros in MLB Series

The Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros are competing in a critical three-game MLB series, with the Angels currently leading 1-0. The Angels hold a 72-88 record this season, struggling offensively with a .226 batting average and a pitching staff ERA of 4.87, while the Astros have a stronger overall record of 85-75 and a more effective pitching staff with a 3.89 ERA. Key players for the Angels include Taylor Ward, leading in hits and RBIs, and Mike Trout, who recently reached the 400-home run milestone. For the Astros, Jose Altuve and Jeremy Pena have been standout hitters. Despite the Astros' better season record and marginal lead in the season series 6-5, their recent form has been poor, losing six consecutive night games against AL West teams and seven of their last eight games overall. The Angels are motivated by their home advantage and recent win, though both teams face challenges as the regular season nears its end and postseason hopes dim, especially for the Angels who have missed the playoffs for 11 straight years.