This game could be low scoring as Kyle Gibson (3-2, 2.70 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (21-16) go up against Chris Archer (3-4, 2.59 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (20-18) in the last of a three-game series at Target Field. The Twins won the last game 6-4 and Minnesota leads the series 2-0. The game gets underway at 2:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 17 and will air on SunSports and FSN-N.
Gibson is 0-3 with a 9.98 ERA against the Rays in his career, but faces a struggling Tampa Bay offense that’s hitting just .237 on the year. Torii Hunter (.285, 21 Rs, 6 HRs, 21 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run. In his pitching opportunities against the Twins, Archer is 3-0 with a 0.49 ERA. He meets a strong Minnesota offense that’s batting .261. David DeJesus (.314, 12 Rs, 3 HRs, 14 RBIs, 1 SB) has been hitting the ball well for the Rays, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one run.
Minnesota is a +106 underdog in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at seven runs. When playing as the underdog, the Twins have a 15-14 record and overall money line at +807. The Minnesota pitching staff and defense is very good at home, only giving up 3.7 runs per game.
On the other side, the Rays have a record of 9-8 when they are favored and are +289 overall with the money line. They have the lowest ERA in the AL at 3.41. They have a WHIP of 1.16, third best in the MLB. They also have some of the most overpowering arms in the AL with an average of 8.6 strikeouts per game.
The previous two games have all gone Minnesota’s way. The Twins will take on a right-hander (Archer) in this game and have a 9-11 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Rays will be the right-hander Gibson. They sport a 16-11 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB, O/U – Over
Notes
Minnesota has won 40% (4-6) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Tampa Bay has won 50% (7-7) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Twins are coming into this game after allowing zero walks during their last outing. The Rays have a 0-2 record when opponents give up that many walks.
It looks like the Twins have a slight leg up on the Rays, as the Twins have won their last two games while the Rays have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rays are 15-2. The Twins have a 17-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 19th in runs, Tampa Bay has earned 145 this season. Minnesota ranks seventh with 168 runs.
Ranking 21st, Minnesota is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 95 this season. Tampa Bay ranks in the top half at 12th with 118.
The Twins are 16-4 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Rays are 13-11 when they hit at least one homer.
