Phil Hughes (1-3, 3.91 ERA) and Michael Fulmer (0-0, 0.00 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Minnesota Twins (7-15) and the Detroit Tigers (11-10) at Target Field. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 29 and can be seen on FSDT and FSN.
Hughes pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out two and walking two in a 2-0 defeat to the Nationals. Byung Ho Park (.241, 8 Rs, 5 HRs, 7 RBIs) went 1 for 3 Wednesday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. This is the first time Fulmer will take the hill this season. Ian Kinsler (.345, 20 Rs, 4 HRs, 13 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs and one RBI.
The odds for Minnesota and Detroit are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. Within its division, Minnesota has a record of 1-5 SU. The Twins have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Minnesota’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0.
The Tigers are 2-7 against AL Central foes. Offensively, the Tigers have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Tigers allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET
Notes
For the third time this season, the Twins registered at least two errors in a game.
The Twins are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 11 strikeouts. The Tigers have a record of 2-4 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 2-13. The Tigers have a 2-8 record when opponents outhit them.
Minnesota ranks in the bottom half of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 20 this season. Detroit ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 25.
Ranking 15th, Minnesota is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.36 per game. Detroit ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 8.90.
Ranking 19th, Minnesota is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.705). Detroit ranks in the top half at 13th with an OPS of .732.
The Tigers are 6-7 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Twins are 4-9 when they allow at least one homer.
