Ortiz, Red Sox shoot to topple Twins again
Having lost five of seven entering Friday’s series opener vs. Minnesota, the Red Sox wanted to make a statement. They did so to devastating effect.
John Farrell’s band of sluggers jumped all over starter Tyler Duffey and kept raking to the tune of an 8-1 triumph. The two clubs meet again this afternoon, with a 2:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Target Field. Handicappers at online sports book BetDSI hold the visitors in the highest regard. The Twins, on the other hand, represent +124 underdogs.
Paul Molitor’s team has dropped eight of 11 and carries the second-worst record in the majors behind Atlanta. In a few hours, the second-year skipper gives the ball to Kyle Gibson (0-3, 6.10 ERA) for the first time since April 22. Minnesota’s former first-round selection landed on the disabled list after just four appearances due to a right shoulder strain. All looked well, though, as he went 1-0 with a 1.17 ERA in three rehab outings.
Naturally, Boston’s offensive threats are a tad more intimidating than the casts Gibson faced at the Class AAA level. Dustin Pedroia is riding a league-best 16-game hitting streak, while David Ortiz boasts a .340 average, 16 homers and 55 RBIs. Throw in Xander Bogaerts (.349) and Jackie Bradley Jr. (.317), and it’s a full-fledged kill squad.
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On the rubber, Eduardo Rodriguez (1-1, 5.40) hopes to a second straight shaky turn. He surrendered four dingers and three walks to Toronto last weekend. The lefty should be in attack mode against the lowly Twins, however, drawing the Red Sox ever closer to the Orioles in the AL East.
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