The Twins seek to finish off a three-game sweep of the Rangers on national television.
Texas Rangers at Minnesota Twins
Texas has lost three straight games and five of six, as they continue an eight-game, 10-day road trip. The Rangers are batting .220 and have managed to score just six runs during its current three-game skid. Despite the recent struggles, the team is still a solid 15-11 this month (+220) and a fantastic 54-30 in May the past three years ($2,730). Texas has also had a difficult time this season when facing opponents with a winning record, tallying a 4-11 record (-920) this season. The Rangers have lost eight of their last nine on the road, currently sitting at 8-14 away from Arlington this season overall.
Rangers SP Derek Holland is scheduled to make his fourth start of the season. He will be pitching on seven days rest since his last start, but just three days’ rest overall, as he worked the eighth inning of Wednesday’s 5-2 loss to Kansas City. The left-hander has made a pair of starts against the Twins, with both coming last season, going 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA. He has compiled a 2-6 record and 5.05 ERA in 18 appearances (nine starts) in his career on the road. The Rangers are 1-7 in Holland’s last eight road starts.
Minnesota continues its current nine-game, 10-day homestand, with the series finale on ESPN. The Twins pushed its home record to 17-9 with Saturday’s victory over the Rangers, as they are 129-107 all-time against them at home. Being placed as a home favorite of -125 to -150 will only help to boost the home team’s confidence, as the Twins are 8-1 in that situation this season (+670) and 39-18 over the last three years (+1,400). Minnesota has also enjoyed great success when facing left-handed starters, posting a solid 10-5 record in 2010 (+510).
Twins SP Scott Baker is 2-2 with a 5.25 ERA in six career starts against the Rangers, leading his team to victory in four of those six games (+150). The right-hander has been very consistent at home this season, posting a 3-1 record and 3.31 ERA in five starts (-20). He has managed to walk just four batters in 32.2 innings of work at Target Field, which fits nicely with his eight career walks against the Rangers in 36 innings. Baker picked up a no decision in his last start, tossing five shutout innings against the Yankees before the game was stopped due to rain. In 20 career starts in May, he has a losing 6-8 record and 5.26 ERA, giving up 23 home runs in the process.
Bettors may jump at the chance of playing the home team at a relatively short price when considering the pitching matchup. The Rangers road difficulties are well-documented and the Twins would love to show off their new ballpark in primetime. It’s important to mention that Minnesota has won both starts with Baker on the mound with tonight’s umpire behind the dish.
