Ricky Nolasco (2-3, 5.28 ERA) and Jake Odorizzi (2-3, 3.36 ERA) start in the second of a four-game series between the Minnesota Twins (16-37) and the Tampa Bay Rays (22-30) at Target Field. The Rays lost the last game 6-4, continuing a five-game losing streak. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 3 and can be seen on FSN and SUN.
Nolasco pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out seven and walking one in a 5-4 win over the Mariners. Eduardo Nunez (.331, 23 Rs, 6 HRs, 21 RBIs, 9 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. Odorizzi went 7.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out six and walking one in a 2-1 defeat to the Yankees in his last outing. Steve Pearce (.304, 20 Rs, 8 HRs, 20 RBIs) went 1 for 1 yesterday.
The odds for Minnesota and Tampa Bay are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. 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.
Offensively, the Rays 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. Tampa Bay is excellent at making contact with just 9.5 strikeouts per game, ranking third in the AL. The Rays 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. When it comes to issuing walks, the Rays have the fifth-fewest in the AL with an average of just 2.7 walks allowed per game.
The Twins have the edge in the season series, 1-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB
Notes
The Twins are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Rays have a 4-7 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Rays are 3-22. The Twins have a 5-29 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 19th in home runs, Minnesota has hit 54 this season. Tampa Bay ranks third with 73 home runs.
Ranking 21st, Tampa Bay is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 8.08 per game. Minnesota ranks in the bottom half at 18th with 8.26.
Ranking 25th, Minnesota is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.698). Tampa Bay ranks in the top half with an OPS of .735.
When the Rays allow at least one home run, they are 10-27, well-matched with the Twins who are 12-29 when allowing at least one homer.
