Angels vs. Nationals Preview: Kikuchi Looks to Spark Halos in D.C. Opener

The Angels (56-90) continue their East Coast trip tonight by kicking off a three game interleague series against the Washington Nationals (67-81) at Nationals Park. With September call ups in full swing and the front office evaluating the roster for next season, this series offers a prime opportunity for the Halos' young core to make a strong statement against an ascending Washington squad.

But the biggest story tonight is likely going to be how veteran Yusei Kikuchi looks as he distances himself from injury.

Pitching Matchup: Yusei Kikuchi vs. Cade Cavalli

The Angels will hand the ball to veteran left-hander (1-5, 4.96 ERA). Kikuchi is coming off one of his finest performances of the season, a brilliant six-inning, scoreless gem where he allowed just five hits. Boasting a stellar 9.0 K/9 rate but underwhelming ERA, Kikuchi's ability to locate his fastball and keep a very potent Nationals lineup off balance will be a big challenge and is the key to an Angels victory tonight.

The Washington Nationals counter with their right handed ace Cade Cavalli (12-5, 3.12 ERA). Cavalli has been nothing short of brilliant this year, racking up 185 strikeouts across 158.2 innings. With a closer like 1.18 WHIP, Cavalli poses a huge challenge for the Halos' bats. Washington's bullpen is their weakness so the Angels need to drive up Cavalli's pitch count and get him out of the game as early as possible if they hope to score runs.

Angels Key Player to Watch: Zach Neto

All eyes remain on shortstop , who continues to anchor the franchise's future. Neto leads the Angels with 25 home runs and 72 RBIs this season. His ability to spark the offense from the top half of the lineup and provide defensive stability up the middle will be crucial to backing Kikuchi on the mound.

Neto is coming off a huge series in Boston in which he hit .500 with multiple key home runs. Since August 1 he is playing very well and looks to end the season on an upswing.

Nationals Key Player to Watch: James Wood

On the flip side, the Angels' pitching staff will have to carefully navigate around Washington's breakout outfielder James Wood, who has belted 30 home runs to power a Nationals offense slugging a collective .428.

Game Odds and Betting Lines from BetMGM

The Angels enter the night as road underdogs. According to the latest data from BetMGM Sportsbook, the betting market shapes up like this:

Moneyline:Angels +130 | Nationals -154

Run Line:Angels +1.5 (-160) | Nationals -1.5 (+135)

In player props, BetMGM has also set Yusei Kikuchi's Over/Under for earned runs at 2.5, with the over sitting at -105. Betting against an Angel might not be fun, but it would not be a surprise to see Washington score 3+ runs off the Angels starter.

How to Watch and Broadcast Info

First pitch is scheudled for 3:45 here on the West Coast and the game can be viewed on Angels Broadcast Television and MLB.TV with the Angels subsription.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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