Angels Look to Bounce Back After Gut-Punch Loss to KC

The Angels are still licking their wounds after yesterday's 7-6 heartbreaker, but there's no time for pity in August. They get an immediate chance at revenge against a Royals squad that's limping badly everywhere except, apparently, Anaheim. Kansas City is a mess on the road—1-8 away from home, averaging barely three runs per game—but they just stole one they had no business winning.

Here's the thing: the pitching matchup screams Angels. Reid Detmers takes the ball with a 10.40 K/9 and legitimate swing-and-miss stuff, while Randy Dobnak counters with a 4.75 K/9 that belongs in a beer league. Dobnak's 2.00 ERA is cute, but it's smoke and mirrors built on a microscopic sample. Regression is coming, and it might arrive tonight against an Angels lineup that's won three straight at home and finally found some pulse.

Kansas City rode momentum yesterday, but they're still 0-5 in their last five overall and running on fumes. The Halos are 4-5 at home with room to grow, and Detmers gives them a legitimate edge on the bump. At near-even money, the Angels moneyline is the sharp play. They're the better team in the better spot with the better arm. Fade the fluke, ride the home side.