Cleveland Indians vs Minnesota Twins Preview
The Minnesota Twins are riding a high right now, fresh off a series win against the AL Central leading Detroit Tigers. After falling to Justin Verlander in game one, the Twins rode a strong performance by Rick Nolasco to a win in game two, and beat David Price in game three. Now the Cleveland Indians come to town.
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For the Twins, the role of spoiler is waiting to be played. The Twins are well out of contention, but the Indians are hanging by a thread. Minnesota can avoid 90 losses and look to knock Terry Francona‘s Indians out of the playoff race with some big wins.
In game one, the Twins will send ace, Phil Hughes to the mound to face off with Trevor Bauer. Hughes, despite coming off a loss, has a 2.21 ERA across his last eight outings. Minnesota should also look kindly at Bauer as they have hit him for 12 runs in just 8.2 innings this season.
Game two will feature T.J. House for the Indians, against Trevor May for the Twins. May has been much better and is 3-0 with a 4.50 ERA and 19 strikeouts in his last three starts. House has been dominant of late rolling to a 0.86 ERA and 20 strikeouts across his last three outings.
Another tough test, the Twins will face Corey Kluber in game three. Kluber has pitched extremely well this year and has made a case as a legitimate number one in the Indians rotation. Minnesota has yet to name their game three starter.
The Twins are a sweep away from 90 losses, a mark they would like to avoid for as long as possible. I think they end up getting close, but win game one with Hughes.
First pitch from Target Field Friday night is at 7:10pm central time.