Tyler Duffey (0-0, 2.25 ERA) and Jordan Zimmermann (4-0, 0.35 ERA) take the hill in the second of a three-game series between the Minnesota Twins (7-16) and the Detroit Tigers (12-10) at Target Field. The Tigers won the last game 9-2, and Detroit leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 2:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 30 and can be seen on FSDT and FSN.
Duffey pitched 4.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering one run, striking out one and walking two in a 6-5 defeat to the Nationals. Eduardo Nunez (.382, 9 Rs, 8 RBIs, 5 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Zimmermann went 6.2 innings, surrendering three, striking out one and walking one in a 7-3 win over the Athletics in his most recent start. Victor Martinez (.319, 11 Rs, 5 HRs, 17 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Tigers, going 4 for 5 yesterday with three runs, one home run, and two RBIs.
The odds for Minnesota and Detroit are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. Within its division, Minnesota has a record of 2-5 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 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 Tigers are 2-8 against AL Central rivals. Offensively, the Tigers 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 Tigers are tough outs for opponents, ranking third in the AL with 10.4 hits per road game. The Tigers allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
The Tigers have the edge in the season series, 1-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Detroit is 5-5, while Minnesota is 2-7.
The Tigers are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Twins have a 2-7 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 2-14. The Tigers have a 2-8 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 18th in home runs, Minnesota has hit 20 this season. Detroit ranks seventh with 28 home runs.
Ranking 15th, Minnesota is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.30 per game. Detroit ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 9.32.
Ranking 21st, Minnesota is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.696). Detroit ranks in the top half at 12th with an OPS of .758.
The Tigers are 6-7 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Twins are 4-10 when they allow at least one homer.
