These teams enter this game with nearly identical records. Both have been surprises, but in different ways so far this year. The Orioles have been much better than expected, while the Angels haven\u2019t lived up to expectations. <\/p>\n
Baltimore Orioles vs. Los Angeles Angels MLB Betting Preview Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Los Angeles is playing much better baseball of late, and the Angels still have plenty of time to get back into the playoff picture. Let\u2019s take a look at this series opener.<\/p>\n Baltimore was expected to be the doormat of the difficult AL East, but they are hanging tough in second place in the division. Baltimore\u2019s power surge this year has come as a real surprise. The Orioles are third in the majors in home runs this year. Adam Jones is in the middle of a massive breakout season.<\/p>\n Jones is hitting .297 with 20 homers and 47 RBI\u2019s. Chris Davis will be a candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. Davis has piled up 14 homers and 40 RBI\u2019s already this season. The Orioles bullpen was expected to be a weak spot, but they have been great. Jim Johnson has been one of the best closers in baseball. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/p>\n The Angels got off to a horrible start, but they have quietly started playing some very good baseball. Mike Trout should get more credit than anyone else for the Angels amazing resurgence over the last couple months. Trout was called up and placed at the top of the lineup, and he has immediately made them a much better team. Trout is batting .343 in his first couple months as a major leaguer.<\/p>\n Even more impressive is his power\/speed combo. He has 10 home runs and 23 stolen bases so far in 2012. Albert Pujols got off to a brutal start, but his numbers are rising quickly. Pujols has a respectable .273 average, and he has 49 RBI\u2019s. Mark Trumbo\u2019s breakout season has also been a major reason this offense has kicked it into gear of late. Trumbo leads the team with 20 homers and 55 RBI\u2019s.<\/p>\n I\u2019m not a fan of laying this much juice very often, but the Angels have the advantage in every matchup across the board in this one.<\/p>\n
\nStarting Pitchers: Baltimore (Arrieta) vs. Los Angeles (Richards)
\nDate\/Time: July 5, 10:05 p.m. EST
\nMLB Gambling Odds from Bookmaker
\nMoneyline: Los Angeles (-160) Baltimore (+140)
\nRunline: Angels -1.5 (+135) vs. Orioles +1.5 (-155)
\nTotal: 8.5<\/strong><\/p>\n