The set-up: Justin Upton delivered a tie-breaking single in the sixth inning in Monday's opener as the Angels posted a 2-1 victory over the Astros in the opener of a three-game series between the two clubs battling atop the AL West. LA's Monday win moved them into first-place in the division at 25-16 (.610), percentage points ahead of the Astros (26-17, .605). It was the second straight 2-1 victory for the Angels, who edged the Minnesota Twins on Sunday behind Shohei Ohtani.Meanwhile, the Astros have not allowed more than two runs in their past seven games, going 5-2.

The pitching matchup: Gerrit Cole (4-1, 1.43 ERA) gets the nod for Houston and rookie Jaime Barria (3-1, 2.45 ERA) will go for LA. Cole is off to a sensational start for his new team (was acquired from teh Pirates during an off-season trade). Cole leads the majors with 86 strikeouts in just 56 2/3 innings and his 1.43 ERA is second behind teammate Justin Verlander (1.21). Cole has allowed just 30 hits and 12 walks while recording an 0.74 WHIP. He is holding opposing batters to a .155 average. and takes on the Angels with 1-1 record (3.15 ERA) in three career starts against them. Barria hasn't allowed more than two runs in any of his first four career starts this season. He defeated the Colorado Rockies in his last outing when he gave up five hits and struck out seven in 5 1/3 scoreless innings. The 21-year-old has allowed just three total runs in his three victories and is limiting opposing batters to a .217 average. Barria has struck out 13 and walked seven in 18 1/3 innings.

The pick: The Angels won a one-run decision last night but teh edge shifts to the Astros tonight, with Cole over the rookie Barria. Cole was traded to the Astros this past off-season, after five seasons with the Pirates, and he 's been everything and MORE, for Houston (see above for a reminder). Make Houston an 8* play.