Kyle Gibson (4-3, 2.61 ERA) starts for the Minnesota Twins (32-21) as they square off against Kyle Lohse (3-6, 6.50 ERA) and the Milwaukee Brewers (18-36) in the first of a three-game series at Target Field. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 5 and can be seen on FSN-WI and FSN-N.
Gibson pitched 5.2 innings in his last outing, surrendering one, striking out three and walking four in a 3-2 defeat to the Blue Jays. Brian Dozier (.263, 44 Rs, 10 HRs, 26 RBIs, 3 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 5 with two runs. When pitching against the Twins, Lohse is 0-1 with an 11.57 ERA, 1.93 WHIP, and zero strikeouts. Adam Lind (.281, 19 Rs, 8 HRs, 25 RBIs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 5 Wednesday with two RBIs.
Minnesota is a -134 favorite against Milwaukee and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Twins have recorded an overall money line of +1,659 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 6-3. Minnesota has gone winless in its last 10 as the favorite. The Twins have no trouble scoring as they rank fifth in the AL in offense with 4.4 runs per game. Opposing batters know they’re in for a battle when they play Minnesota. The Twins are one of the top teams when it comes to pitching, allowing just 4.1 runs per game. The Twins are the second-best team in the AL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.3 walks per game so far this season.
In the other locker room, Milwaukee is coming in with an overall money line of -1,758 and a disappointing record of 13-22 as the underdog. Milwaukee is 2-2 as the underdog and 3-3 SU against teams in the AL. Offensively, the Brewers have really picked up the pace in interleague games. They have exceeded their season average of 3.7 runs per game by averaging 4.5 in those contests. Milwaukee is excellent at not striking out n the road with just 7.8 per game, ranking fifth in the NL. The Brewers allow 4.9 runs per game, but does better whenever an AL opponent is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average down to 3.8 against teams from the AL.
The Twins have a 16-14 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Lohse takes the mound. Gibson (RHP) will be on the hill against the Brewers, who have a inferior 13-29 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – MIN, O/U – Over
Notes
Milwaukee has won 33% (7-14) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Minnesota has won 53% (9-8) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Twins are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Brewers have a 5-14 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
It looks like the Twins have a slight leg up on the Brewers, as the Twins have won their last two games while the Brewers have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Brewers are 11-4. The Twins have a 21-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 27th in runs, Milwaukee has earned 198 this season. Minnesota ranks eighth with 238 runs.
Minnesota and Milwaukee both rank near the bottom of the league in walks. Minnesota sits at 25th with 128 this season and Milwaukee ranks 26th with 127.
When the Twins hit at least one home run, they are 25-5. When the Brewers hit at least one homer, they have a 16-14 record.
