Angels will have hands full with Astros ace Bud Norris on Friday

DETROIT — The Angels missed Detroit ace Justin Verlander and undefeated right-hander Max Scherzer (11-0) in both series against the Tigers this season, which is one reason the Angels are 5-0 against Detroit entering Thursday’s series finale in Comerica Park.

But they won’t be as fortunate when they travel to Houston this weekend. Starting for the Astros Friday night in Minute Maid Park will be Bud Norris, who is 3-0 with an 0.43 earned run average in three starts against the Angels this season.

“He’s been able to keep his fastball down and throw his slider in off spots,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “He’s been tough on us.”

Norris allowed three hits in seven shutout innings in a 5-0 victory at Angel Stadium on April 12. He allowed one run and nine hits in eight innings of a 3-1 victory in Houston on May 8 and threw six shutout innings, allowing four hits in a 2-0 win at Angel Stadium on June 1.

Norris, the primary reason the Angels are 3-7 against the last-place Astros, is 5-7 with a 3.60 ERA in 16 starts on the season. As dominant as he’s been against the Angels, he is 2-7 with a 4.50 ERA in his 13 starts against other teams.

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