Minnesota Twins Return Home to Take on Orioles
The Minnesota Twins motto for this series is, “Win Game 1”. Why? Because out of the nine 3-game series the Twins have played so far this year, they have been swept in six of them. Outside of these sweeps, the Twins’ record is 8-5, so obviously if they win game 1, they have a shot at playing well throughout the series, yes?
Yes, this is what the Twins’ season has come to, numbers speculation. As a fan, you want to look for any sliver of hope, any play that looks to be a harbinger of hope.
After the kerfuffle on the field between the White Sox and Twins when Jose Abreu nearly charged the mound, fans hoped that the feeling of solidarity the Twins gained would provide a spark. Alas, it did not, and the Twins were swept once again.
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The sad, but true, stat of the week is that with their 6th sweep against them already this year, the Twins have tied last year’s total for the year. That’s right, the Twins suffered a series sweep to the Royals in the final weekend of the 2015 season (which eliminated them from post-season play), giving them 6 on the year – and that includes one two-game sweep.
Now, the good news. Jose Berrios, who pitched the Twins to their last win a week ago against Dallas Keuchel, starts game 1 against the Orioles.
The Orioles are coming off a game in which they slammed six home runs, and scored 11 runs…all off home run balls. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, that was the third time in Orioles history that they scored more than 10 runs in a game all via the long ball.
Monday Night Game
Tyler Wilson (1-1, 3.04 ERA) vs Jose Berrios (1-1, 6.75 ERA)
7:10 Target Field
TV: Fox Sports North
Tuesday Night Game
Kevin Gausman (0-1, 1.42 ERA) vs Phil Hughes (1-5, 5.85 ERA)
7:10 Target Field
TV: Fox Sports North
Wednesday Day Game
Bullpen Game, Starter TBD vs Ricky Nolasco (1-1, 4.70 ERA)
1:10 Target Field
TV: Fox Sports North
Next: What the Twins face in the Orioles