In the first of a three-game series between the Minnesota Twins (55-56) and the Texas Rangers (55-55) at Target Field, Kyle Gibson (8-9, 3.78 ERA) and Yovani Gallardo (8-9, 3.47 ERA) get the ball. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 11 and will air on FSN and FSSW.
In his last start, Gibson pitched 4.2 innings, allowing eight runs, striking out four and walking three in a 9-3 loss to the Blue Jays. The Rangers were victorious over the Astros 4-3 the last time Gallardo pitched. He went 5.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out three and walking two. Rougned Odor (.283, 31 Rs, 8 HRs, 39 RBIs, 5 SBs) has been doing well, going 2 for 3 Sunday with one RBI.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Below average play has been the norm lately for the Minnesota pitchers. The Twins have given up an average of 7.2 runs to opponents in their last 10 games, above their season average of 4.5 runs per game. The Twins don’t give up many walks to opposing batters, leading the AL with only 2.5 walks allowed per game.
The Rangers rank third in the AL in scoring, averaging 4.5 runs per game.
In their previous three games this season, the Rangers have a 2-1 record. This game will feature Gallardo (RHP) on the mound against the Twins, who have a 34-38 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Rangers will be the right-hander Gibson. They sport a 36-33 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – Tex
Notes
Having scored one run in their last game, the Twins are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Rangers have a 21-1 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 9-49. The Rangers have a 10-43 record when opponents outhit them.
Minnesota ranks in the bottom half of the league at 17th when it comes to home runs, hitting 99 this season. Texas ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 113.
Ranking 12th, Minnesota is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.26 per game. Texas ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 8.75.
Ranking 21st, Minnesota is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.700). Texas ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .730.
The Rangers are 29-43 when they allow at least one home run. The Twins perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 31-44 record.
