Tyler Duffey (2-4, 4.57 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (16-39) go up against Drew Smyly (2-7, 4.77 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (24-30) in the last of a four-game series at Target Field. The Rays won the last game 7-4, and Tampa Bay leads the series 2-1. The game starts at 2:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jun. 5 and will air on FSN and SUN.
In his last start, Duffey pitched 4.2 innings, giving up five runs, striking out six and walking one in a 7-4 loss to the Athletics. Eduardo Nunez (.331, 25 Rs, 6 HRs, 21 RBIs, 11 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs and two stolen bases. The Rays were unsuccessful against the Royals 10-5 the last time Smyly pitched. He went 4.0 innings, allowing eight runs, striking out three and walking one. Steve Pearce (.302, 20 Rs, 8 HRs, 20 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Over their past 10 games, Minnesota’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. Over their past 10 games, Minnesota’s pitchers have been playing lights out, only allowing 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0.
They sport the fifth-ranked offense in the AL, averaging four runs per game. Opposing pitchers have routinely struggled to strike out the Tampa Bay batters, who rank third in the AL with 9.4 strikeouts per game. Tampa Bay’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
The Rays are 2-1 against the Twins this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB
Notes
Minnesota has won 38% (8-13) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Tampa Bay has won 48% (11-12) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Rays are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Twins have a 5-19 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 5-29. The Rays have a 4-22 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 23rd in home runs, Minnesota has hit 54 this season. Tampa Bay ranks third with 79 home runs.
Minnesota and Tampa Bay both rank in the bottom half of the league in hits. Minnesota sits at 17th with 8.31 hits per game and Tampa Bay ranks 20th with 8.11.
Ranking 24th, Minnesota is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.698). Tampa Bay ranks in the top half at 12th with an OPS of .741.
When the Rays allow at least one home run, they are 10-27, well-matched with the Twins who are 12-31 when allowing at least one homer.
