Phil Hughes Looking to Pick up First Win

The Minnesota Twins currently have the longest winning streak in the American League. The team that won just one game during the first week of the season is now on a three-game winning streak. Funny how quickly things can turn. The Twins will look to make it four in a row when they send their ace, Phil Hughes to the mound.

After a phenomenal first season in a Twins uniform, Hughes if off to a “slow” start in 2015. In his first two starts he’s given up seven earned runs and has a 5.25 earned run average. Last season Hughes gave up just 16 home runs. Through 12 innings pitched in 2015, Hughes has already given up three home runs.

Is it time for the Twins to worry about the ace of their rotation?

No.

Last season Hughes got off to a very similar start. Through his first two starts in 2014, Hughes gave up eight runs and two home runs. He didn’t pick up his first win of the season until his fourth start.

It’s not like Hughes has been awful. He’s pitched into the sixth inning in each of his starts. In his last outing against the White Sox he kept his team in the game. Hughes exited the game with his team down 3-1 after six innings.

With their ace on the mound, the Twins have a perfect opportunity to extend their winning streak to four games. They could also pick up their second straight series win. If the Twins offense can give Hughes some run support, he won’t have to wait until his fourth start of the season to pick up his first win in 2015.

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