This game could be low scoring as Kyle Gibson (6-6, 3.04 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (44-39) go up against Kevin Gausman (1-0, 3.09 ERA) and the Baltimore Orioles (43-40) in the second of a three-game series at Target Field. The Twins won the last game 4-2 and Minnesota leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 8:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Jul. 7 and will air on MASN2 and FSN-N.
In his most recent outing, Gibson pitched 8.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out seven and walking four in a 2-0 victory over the Royals. Brian Dozier (.260, 63 Rs, 17 HRs, 42 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. In his career against the Twins, Gausman is 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and seven strikeouts. Manny Machado (.301, 53 Rs, 18 HRs, 47 RBIs, 13 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Orioles, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Minnesota is a small underdog (-102) and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. When playing as the underdog, the Twins have a 36-32 record and overall money line at +1,241. The Twins are the best in the AL in walks allowed, giving up just 2.5 per game.
On the other side, the Orioles have a record of 26-18 when they are favored and are +261 overall with the money line. The Orioles are known for their power, smashing 101 home runs. Baltimore’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 2.8 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 3.9.
So far this season, the Twins are 1-0 against the Orioles. The Twins will take on a right-hander (Gausman) in this game and have a 25-28 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Gibson will take the mound against the Orioles, who have a 32-31 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – BAL, O/U – Over
Notes
The Twins are 4-3 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Orioles are 1-2 in such matchups.
The Orioles managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Twins who are heading in with a 15-3 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Orioles are 32-9. The Twins have a 30-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 14th, Minnesota is in the top half of the league in runs, scoring 344 this season. Baltimore ranks in the top five at fifth with 372.
Minnesota and Baltimore both rank near the bottom of the league in walks. Minnesota sits at 25th with 199 this season and Baltimore ranks 23rd with 206.
The Twins are 32-16 when they hit at least one home run. The Orioles perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 36-19 record.
