Tigers Host Twins
The Minnesota Twins continue to play well against AL Central opponents. They’re just having trouble getting to the top of the division.
With first place in sight, the Twins look to sweep a series in Detroit for the first time in four years when they conclude a four-game set with the Tigers on Sunday.
Oddsmakers from SBG Global have made Detroit -150 money line favorites (MLB Odds) for tonight’s game, the over/under has been set at 8.5 total runs (Matchup). Current public betting information shows that 66% of bets for this game have been placed on Detroit –150 (View MLB Bet Percentages).
After winning the first three games of this series, Minnesota (53-41) has won its last eight games within the division and owns a 27-16 record against AL Central opponents this season. The Twins can earn a road sweep of the Tigers (46-47) for the first time since Sept. 10-13, 2004, which was also a four-game set.
Despite the strong play, Minnesota, remains one game behind the first-place Chicago White Sox, who beat Texas 9-7 on Saturday night.
The White Sox have had to play well with the Twins surging. Minnesota is a major league-best 21-6 since June 13, partially due to Brendan Harris’ strong hitting over the past month.
The infielder, part of a six-player deal that sent pitcher Matt Garza to Tampa Bay in the offseason, was hitting .232 through June 17. Since then, he’s batting .357 with three homers and 14 RBIs.
Harris homered and had a season-high four RBIs to help Minnesota beat Detroit 6-5 on Saturday. He shifted from third base to shortstop after Nick Punto (strained left ring finger) was a late scratch.
"Sometimes it’s hard because you have to prepare differently," Harris said of the position change. "But I knew I was already playing. I’ve been swinging the bat pretty good lately."
Punto’s injury isn’t serious, according to the Twins. His status for Sunday’s game, though, is uncertain.
If Punto can’t play, Harris would likely be back at shortstop. He’d be playing behind Nick Blackburn (7-4, 3.72 ERA), who is 3-0 with a 3.16 ERA in his last five starts. The right-hander gave up two runs and six hits in 6 2-3 innings Tuesday night at Boston, but failed to earn a decision as Minnesota lost 6-5.
Blackburn is 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA in three career starts against Detroit, which has lost seven of 11. The Tigers are 4-10 against the Twins this season, and 13-24 versus AL Central teams.
"We’re in a tough spot right now," Detroit starter Nate Robertson said. "There’s plenty of baseball left but we just aren’t doing enough right now."
Detroit, eight games behind the White Sox, has lost every game of this series by one run. The Twins have won 20 games by one-run margins – the most in the majors.
In the series finale, the Tigers will hand the ball to Justin Verlander (6-9, 4.24), who is 4-0 with a 2.54 ERA and a .200 opponent batting average in his last six starts.
The right-hander allowed two runs and two hits while striking out seven in seven innings to earn a win as Detroit beat Cleveland 9-2 on Tuesday night.
Verlander is 0-1 with a 3.21 ERA in two starts versus the Twins this season, and 3-4 with a 3.78 ERA in eight career starts against them.
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