Tommy Milone (0-1, 5.87 ERA) and Danny Salazar (2-1, 1.47 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Minnesota Twins (5-14) and the Cleveland Indians (9-7) at Target Field. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Apr. 25 and can be seen on STOh and FSN.
Milone pitched 4.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering four runs, striking out six and walking two in a 10-5 defeat to the Brewers. Eduardo Nunez (.432, 8 Rs, 8 RBIs, 4 SBs) kept up his hot start yesterday, going 4 for 7 with two runs, one RBI, and one stolen base. Salazar went 7.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out seven and walking three in a 2-1 defeat to the Mariners in his last outing. Marlon Byrd (.282, 5 Rs, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs) has been successful at the plate to start the season for the Indians, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one run and two RBIs.
The odds for Minnesota and Cleveland are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. Within its division, Minnesota has a record of 4-1 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 batters do not strike out very often, with only 9.6 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 Indians are 0-6 against AL Central opponents. Offensively, the Indians 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 Indians are an excellent base stealing team with 13 stolen bases, ranking fifth in the MLB. Shifting to the pitching staff and defense, the Indians allow just two runs per road game, ranking them third in the AL. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Indians are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.133 for the season.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE
Notes
Minnesota has won 22% (2-7) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Cleveland has won 71% (5-2) 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 2-5 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 1-12. The Indians have a 1-4 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 22nd in home runs, Cleveland has hit 15 this season. Minnesota ranks 18th with 17 home runs.
Ranking 17th, Minnesota is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 8.21 per game. Cleveland ranks in the top half at 14th with 8.44.
Ranking 24th, Minnesota is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.689). Cleveland ranks in the bottom half at 19th with an OPS of .713.
When the Indians allow at least one home run, they are 5-5. When the Twins allow one or more homers, they have a 2-9 record.
