In the second of a four-game series between the Minnesota Twins (50-84) and the Chicago White Sox (63-70) at Target Field, Kyle Gibson (5-8, 5.17 ERA) and Carlos Rodon (5-8, 3.91 ERA) get the start. The Twins won the last game 8-5, and Minnesota leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Sep. 2 and will air on CSCh and FSN.
In his last start, Gibson pitched 5.1 innings, allowing four runs, striking out one and walking three in a 9-6 loss to the Blue Jays. Brian Dozier (.269, 85 Rs, 32 HRs, 81 RBIs, 11 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. The White Sox were victorious over the Mariners 4-1 the last time Rodon pitched. He went 6.0 innings, giving up one run, striking out six and walking one. Todd Frazier (.215, 70 Rs, 34 HRs, 84 RBIs, 10 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the White Sox, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Twins have a SU record of 15-38 against teams in their division. Within their division, Minnesota’s offense has been struggling. Minnesota has only averaged 3.9 runs per game compared to its 4.5 season average. They have been very patient at the plate, ranking fourth in the AL with an average of 3.1 walks per game. Minnesota’s pitching staff will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent struggles. The Twins have given up an average of 7.3 runs to opponents in their last 10 games, above their season average of 5.5 runs per game. The Twins don’t give up many walks to opposing batters, ranking fifth in the AL with only 2.8 walks allowed per game.
Against teams in their division, the White Sox are 20-32 SU.
The White Sox had the upper hand against the Twins in their previous 13 games this season, earning a 9-4 record. This game will feature Rodon (LHP) on the mound against the Twins, who have a 15-19 record when they take on a left-handed starter. The right-handed Gibson will take the mound against the White Sox, who have a 48-56 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – MIN
Notes
Minnesota has won 45% (27-33) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won 50% (30-30) of its games when taking a late lead.
The White Sox are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Twins have a 14-43 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the White Sox are 45-14. The Twins have a 36-11 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 25th, Chicago sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 540 this season. Minnesota ranks in the top half at 11th with 611.
Ranking 25th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 375 this season. Minnesota ranks in the top half at 12th with 418.
When the Twins hit at least one home run, they are 41-46. When the White Sox hit at least one homer, they have a 46-42 record.
