First Pitch: 1:10pm CDT
TV: WFTC-29
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Royals Review
A win today guarantees nothing worse than a game 163 for the second year in a row. The moral of this story? Every game and every win matters. Let's get this one, and worry about what the Tigers do later.
He wasn't able to take out the Tigers for the sixth time a few days ago, but here's his shot at redemption. A solid performance today is all it would take. When he's at his best his fastball and slider will have good sink, and against an offense sported by Kansas City should be able to tally a few strikeouts. Although having said that, he's really struggled against the Royals this season. I suppose you could say he's due.
Hochevar has owned the Twins so far this season, which is ironic because he's been a horrible pittcher in general. There's some talent, and he does have a brilliant slider that he uses as a strikeout pitch. But he gives up way too many hits, way too many home runs and is too inefficient in his pitch counts to really carry his weight in innings. Minnesota should be able to score some runs today, because just like Pavano versus the Royals offense, Minnesota's offense is due against Hochevar.