First Pitch: 7:05 pm CDT
TV: FS North
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Royals Review
Starting Pitchers
Nick Blackburn is apparently allergic to the West Coast, because the only starts in which he has not gone at least six innings over the last 10 were in Oakland and Anaheim. Six of those eight starts were quality starts and half of them were at least seven innings long. With almost no margin for error, the Twins must start winning series. With Blackburn on the mound to start the series, the Twins at home, and the Royals in town, I like our chances.
The Twins are not the only team with starters who have disappointed this year after a stellar 2008 campaign. Davies is perhaps the biggest disappointment in the Royals rotation. He wa so bad at one point, the Royals sent him to Omaha in favor of Sidney Ponson. He's had one start since coming back from AAA when Ponson was DFAed, and it didn't go well. He gave up 8 earned runs in 3.2 innings of pitching against Seattle last Wednesday. He's the consumate nibbler, so if the Twins are patient, they should get to him.