First Pitch: 7:10pm CDT
TV: FS North
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Over the Monster
Blackburn has been the Twins' most consistent starter on the year. In all but two starts, he's pitched at least six innings, with five Quality Starts and five games of seven or more innings. The Twins need innings out of him after last night's short start by Francisco Liriano.
By contrast to Blackburn, Lester has been very inconsistent this year. Despite four Quality Starts, he has given up five or more runs in his other five games. Of particular note are the homers.Facing the suddenly powerful Twins, look for some fireworks tonight for folks in sections 212-214.
Though the Twins line-up is lefty oriented, it has hit lefties well this year, especially the big four: Justin Morneau (1.206 OPS against lefties this year), Joe Mauer (1.009), Michael Cuddyer (1.045), and Denard Span (.998). On the other end of the spectrum, some guys really stink against lefties this year, including Delmon Young (.542), Jason Kubel (.500), and Nick Punto (.380!). Look for good innings when the big four are up and bad innings otherwise. Hoepfully the big four will generate enough offense to carry the team.