First Pitch: 12:10pm CDT
TV: FSN
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Over the Monster
Preview
After taking two of the first three games at home against the Red Sox, the Twins look to take the series and rise above the .500 mark once again. Minnesota is red hot, winning 6 of its last 7 games, including 5 of 6 at home (where they are 19-10 on the season). Coincidentally, this hot streak started with Mauer's move to the #2 spot in the order. After the move, the offense has been on fire, scoring 58 runs (8.3 per game), no fewer than 4 runs in any of the games. Offense doesn't tell the whole story. During the same 7 games, the Twins have allowed a total of 18 runs (2.6 per game), with quality starts in each of the six wins.
Starting Pitchers
Anthony Swarzak had a very solid debut last Saturday, pitching 7 innings, giving up 5 hits, 2 walks and zero runs against the Brewers. Today will be a good test against one of baseball's better, more patient offenses (although one that has been outscored by the Twins, 252 to 250). Can Swarzak build on his debut and shut down Boston?
Even though he has a solid 4-2 record, Josh Beckett has struggled so far this season, as evidenced by a 5.01 ERA and 1.53 WHIP. However, he has one of the largest ERA-FIP differentials in baseball, sporting a 3.86 FIP. At first glance, luck appears to be a factor as hitters have a .346 BABIP against Beckett. Again, the stats are misleading, as his BABIP is driven largely by a staggering 26.6% line drive rate (up slightly from 2008's 25.2%). Since 2007, Beckett has not been the same dominant star that we saw win two world series rings. Will he return to form this afternoon?