Game 120: Yankees @ Twins

Pregame

Here we go, this is what the French call Les Rubber Match. With such a frustrating end to last night's contest, the Twins should be focused and ready. It also sounds like Joe Mauer is still questionable for today's game, so I'm sure NBP will be behind the plate once again.

Taking the hill for the Yankees is Darrell Rasner, who's 0-1 versus the Twins already this season in a pair of starts. Neither outing was good nor bad, totaling 11 innings and allowing 12 hits and six runs while notching seven strikeouts and six walks. There isn't anything that Rasner does that's outstanding, he's pretty much a decent run-of-the-mill pitcher who can flesh out the back of a rotation who hasn't had a quality start since June 6. He throws a fastball (86-90), a cut fastball (83-86), a curveball (72-74) and on occasion a changeup (82-84).

Minnesota sends out Kevin Slowey, who was just one out shy of a quality start his last time out versus the Royals. Due to the Twins relying heavily on their bullpen two of the last three nights, Kevin needs to come out and be aggressive, making the Yankees hit the ball. For a flyball pitcher this could be potentiallly dangerous, but with all seven relievers throwing about 15 hours ago the team can't afford to take a nibble-and-hope-they-swing approach. Efficiency and hitting his spots will be key for Slowey today.