In a game that has the potential for a lot of runs, Mike Clevinger (2-2, 5.30 ERA) and the Cleveland Indians (82-58) are in Minnesota to square off against Hector Santiago (11-8, 4.91 ERA) and the Twins (52-89). This is the second of a three-game series at Target Field. The Indians won the last game 5-4, and Cleveland leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sep. 10 and can be seen on STOh and FSN.
Santiago pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs, striking out six and walking three in an 11-3 win over the White Sox. Brian Dozier (.277, 94 Rs, 39 HRs, 93 RBIs, 14 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI. Clevinger went 1.2 innings, surrendering one run, striking out three and walking two in a 6-2 defeat to the Astros in his last outing. Mike Napoli (.251, 85 Rs, 32 HRs, 93 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Notes
The Indians won their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Twins are 12-25. The Indians are 24-19 in close games this season.
Minnesota has won 44% (28-36) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Cleveland has won 54% (30-26) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Indians 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 25-23 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Twins are 38-12. The Indians have a 62-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 11th, Minnesota is in the top half of the league in runs, scoring 655 this season. Cleveland ranks in the top five at fourth with 692.
Ranking 12th, Minnesota is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.755). Cleveland ranks in the top 10 at sixth with an OPS of .770.
The Indians are 52-50 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Twins are 38-74 when they allow at least one homer.
