Twins-Mets Series Preview

Apr 6, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets catcher John Buck (44) hits a two-RBI double against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning of a game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

After being swept by the Royals, the Twins face their first interleague opponent of the season with the Mets (5-4) coming to town for a cold, snowy three-game series at Target Field, their first trip to Minneapolis since the stadium opened.

Vance Worley faces Jonathon Niese in the opener at 7:10 tonight, and Scott Diamond will make his first start of the season in a Saturday day game. With Johan Santana’s career in jeopardy due to injury and RA Dickey traded away in the offseason, left-handed Niese has gotten off to a hot start with nine strikeouts in 12.2 innings pitched to go along with a 2.13 ERA.

The Mets set a franchise record with at least one home run in the first nine games; catcher John Buck leads the team with five. The Twins went 0-11 with runners in scoring position in the final game of the Royals series.

Feb 19, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Vance Worley (49) poses for a portrait during photo day at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Feb 21, 2013; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jonathon Niese (49) poses for a picture during photo day at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Game 2 and 3 Pitching Matchups

Saturday, 3:10:

Scott Diamond vs. Matt Harvey

Sunday, 1:10:

Kevin Correia vs. Dillon Gee

                                                      Game 1 Lineups TBA

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