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Minnesota Twins series preview: Twins need to take advantage against White Sox

By Chris Schad

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 26: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Minnesota Twins hits a solo home run during the seventh inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 26, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 26: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Minnesota Twins hits a solo home run during the seventh inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 26, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 10: Jake Odorizzi #12 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning of the game on August 10, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 10: Jake Odorizzi #12 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning of the game on August 10, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Wednesday: 12:10 p.m. CT

Jake Odorizzi (13-5, 3.50 ERA) vs. Lucas Giolito (13-6, 3.41 ERA)

The panic that set in against Jake Odorizzi has calmed down in his past couple of starts, which is a great thing after his rough month of July that saw him post a 7.43 ERA and allow six home runs. The month of August has been a different story as he hasn’t gone deep into games, but has posted a 2.08 ERA in 17 1/3 innings. In his previous start against the White Sox this year, Odorizzi got the win with 5 1/3 scoreless innings that included nine strikeouts.

The Twins will face Lucas Giolito, who is enjoying a breakout season in 2019. Although his 13-6 record and 3.41 look good, he’s had mixed results against the Twins this season. On June 30, Giolito threw five shutout innings before being pulled due to a rain delay, but got rocked for seven earned runs in five innings on July 25.

One batter who will be glad to see Giolito is Cruz as he had his first career three-homer game against Giolito in the July 25 victory.

Outlook

The Twins will need to have a great stretch over the next two weeks in order to get their cushion back in the American League Central. Although they come into this series with a 2 1/2 game lead, this was the part of the schedule the Indians used to come back from the dead.

Next. Polanco's double helps Twins sweep Rangers. dark

If the Twins are unable to take advantage of the White Sox, it could make the final weeks of the season even more intense as they push for a playoff spot. With the Twins having the advantage in two of the three games, they should be able to at least win the series and have a shot at a sweep.

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