In the third of a four-game series between the Baltimore Orioles (62-59) and the Minnesota Twins (61-61) at Camden Yards, Chris Tillman (9-7, 4.54 ERA) and Kyle Gibson (8-9, 3.99 ERA) take the mound. The Twins won the last game 4-3 and Minnesota leads the series 2-0. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 22 and will air on FSN and MASN.
In his last start, Tillman pitched 7.0 innings, giving up two runs, striking out three and walking three in a 4-2 victory over the Athletics. Chris Davis (.261, 71 Rs, 34 HRs, 89 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday. The Twins were unsuccessful to the Yankees 8-7 the last time Gibson pitched. He went 5.0 innings, allowing six runs, striking out two and walking three. Brian Dozier (.245, 84 Rs, 25 HRs, 62 RBIs, 10 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday.
Baltimore is a -162 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. The Orioles are 40-28 as the favorite and have an overall money line of +42. Over the last 10 games, they have a very good record when playing as the favorite (6-2). The Orioles come into the game with the AL’s fourth-ranked home scoring offense, averaging 5.0 runs per game in their own ballpark. Turning to the pitching staff, the Orioles don’t give up many walks to opposing batters at Camden Yards, ranking third in the AL with only 2.3 walks allowed per home game.
Switching gears, the Twins come into this game with a win percentage of .469 when playing as the underdog (45-51) and an overall money line of +1,000. During the last 10 games, they averaged 5.7 runs per game, above their 4.3 season average. Switching gears to Minnesota’s pitching staff, they allow just 2.5 walks per game, best in the AL.
The Twins are 5-0 against the Orioles this season. This game will feature Gibson (RHP) on the mound against the Orioles, who have a 45-47 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Twins will be the right-hander Tillman. They sport a 39-41 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – Bal, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Baltimore is 24-17, while Minnesota is 18-22.
The Twins are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Orioles have a 16-22 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 10-53. The Orioles have a 10-43 record when opponents outhit them.
Minnesota ranks in the top half of the league at 15th when it comes to home runs, hitting 114 this season. Baltimore ranks in the top five at fourth with 161.
Ranking 11th, Minnesota is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.35 per game. Baltimore ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 8.66.
Ranking 20th, Minnesota is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.705). Baltimore ranks in the top 10 at eighth with an OPS of .738.
When the Twins allow at least one home run, they are 33-49, well-matched with the Orioles who are 35-41 when allowing at least one homer.
