Yankees vs Angels Prediction, Pick and Preview, August 31 (8/31): MLB

Credit: photo by Gary A. Vazquez-USA TODAY Sports

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Preview

The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels will play game two of their series from Angel Stadium this Tuesday. Last night the Angels were about to win a thriller with an eighth inning RBI from Juan Lagares. 

The Yankees are among the hottest teams in baseball, and prior to this three-game skid, they were riding a twelve-game win streak. The powerful pairing of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton has gotten hot at the plate. Stanton's seventh inning homer tied the game at seven and brought the Angel Stadium crowd to their feet. New York still holds the top AL Wild Card spot, but they need to end this losing streak soon.

The Angels have turned into everyone's favorite underdog, but not for the right reasons. The long-term absence of Mike Trout hasn't helped, but Los Angeles has been so inconsistent at the plate. Prior to last night, they scored ten or more in each of their past three wins, but they have fives losses in which they scored one run or less. It's head-scratching, but they have the talent, as saw last night.

Pitching matchup

Yankees

Jameson Tallion (8-4, 4.18 ERA) will get the call for New York. His first year in the Bronx has been solid, but he struggled in last start. He gave up five runs in less than four innings of work, which isn't a trend for the fifth-year pitcher on the road. He's pitched well since the Yankees retooled at the deadline, and hasn't recorded a loss since June.

Angels

Jaime Barria (2-2, 3.41 ERA) will take the mound for Los Angeles. With Patrick Sandoval on the shelf, Barria now receives another chance to solidify a role in next year's rotation. The third-year pitcher had a solid trio of starts in late July, but he's been shaky in his last three outings. This hungry Yankees lineup could give him trouble tonight.

Prediction

We don't see the Yankees letting this skid get out of hand. New York stormed back into the playoff picture, and a pair of eighth inning blunders now puts them in a somewhat must-win spot. With Boston and Oakland both approaching quickly in the standings, New York should go out and get things done this evening. 

PICK: New York Yankees RL (-114)

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