Josh Tomlin (5-0, 3.72 ERA) and the Cleveland Indians (16-15) go up against Ricky Nolasco (1-1, 4.70 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (8-25) in the first of a three-game division series at Progressive Field. The Twins go into this series on a seven-game losing streak. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 13 and will air on STOh and FSN.
In his last start, Tomlin pitched 6.0 innings, giving up four runs and striking out three in a 5-4 victory over the Royals. Mike Napoli (.248, 20 Rs, 7 HRs, 22 RBIs) played well again Wednesday, going 3 for 7 with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. The Twins were unsuccessful against the White Sox 10-4 the last time Nolasco pitched. He went 5.0 innings, allowing seven runs (two unearned), striking out six and walking two.
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Cleveland is 6-4, while Minnesota is 2-11.
The Twins are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Indians have a 5-9 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Twins are 6-5. The Indians have a 10-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Both falling near the bottom of the league based on total runs this season, Cleveland ranks 21st with 132 runs and Minnesota is 28th with 111.
Cleveland and Minnesota both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Cleveland sits at 23rd with an OPS of .698, and Minnesota ranks 27th with an OPS of .675.
When the Twins allow at least one home run, they are 5-18. When the Indians allow one or more homers, they have a 9-11 record.
