Runs may be hard to come by in this one as Tyler Duffey (1-2, 1.85 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (10-30) meet Aaron Sanchez (3-1, 3.29 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (20-23) in the second of a four-game series at Target Field. The Blue Jays won the last game 3-2, and Toronto leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 20 and will air on FSN and RSN1.
In his most recent outing, Duffey pitched 7.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out six and walking one in a 5-1 victory over the Indians. The Blue Jays were unsuccessful the last time Sanchez pitched. He did not do well, pitching 6.2 innings, allowing six runs, striking out six and walking four in a 7-6 loss to the Rangers. Michael Saunders (.307, 19 Rs, 6 HRs, 13 RBIs) went 1 for 5 yesterday.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The most recent 10-game stretch for the Twins has gone great. Over that span, Minnesota is averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. The most recent 10 game stretch for Minnesota’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Minnesota’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0.
Toronto has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. Toronto’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, ranking third in the AL with only three runs allowed per road game.
The only other game between the two teams went Toronto’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – TOR
Notes
Minnesota has won 25% (4-12) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Toronto has won 35% (6-11) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Blue Jays are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Twins have a 1-5 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Twins are 7-5. The Blue Jays have a 14-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 28th in runs, Minnesota has earned 143 this season. Toronto ranks 18th with 171 runs.
Ranking 18th, Minnesota is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 121 this season. Toronto ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 157.
When the Twins hit at least one home run, they are 8-18. When the Blue Jays hit at least one homer, they have a 17-13 record.
