First Pitch: 1:10pm CDT
TV: WFTC-29
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Let's Go Tribe!
- Taking two of three is still taking two of three, no matter how bad yesterday sucked.
- Since July 12, Mike Redmond is 10-for-28 with three walks and a double. So you know Gardy means to win this series when he's trotting out Joe Mauer to catch this afternoon.
- In 13 games as a member of the Twins, O-Cab is hitting .310/.328/.483. I'm pretty sure that's better than everyone expected.
- I'm tired of seeing the Twins lose.
Starting Pitchers
Blackburn, like Liriano last week, needs a big performance for himself as much as the team needs it from him. Since his complete game on July 5 where his ERA dipped to 2.94, Nick has had three terrible starts, two very mediocre if we're kind starts, and just one quality outing. He's not a strikeout pitcher, so it's not like he has to shy away from contact, but he needs to find his command again. Throw off the plate strategically, don't let the fastball catch too much of the plate, and don't hang any breaking balls; pretty standard stuff.
When the Twins last faced off against Laffey on August 5, I wrote that Laffey profiled as "the exact kind of left with "hittable" stuff that the Twins struggle against". It was true. He clipped the Twins for eight innings and surrendered just one run. Minnesota didn't do much better the first time they faced him in late April. Two of Laffey's wins have now come against the Twins, who hopefully have a better scouting report on him for the third time. It is the charm, apparently. He's still walking people, so if the Twins are patient they should get their opportunities.
Lineups
Indians
Grady Sizemore, CF
Jamey Carroll, RF
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Shin-Soo Choo, LF
Jhonny Peralta, 3B
Travis Hafner, DH
Kelly Shoppach, C
Luis Valbuena, 2B
Andy Marte, 1B
Twins
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Jason Kubel, DH
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Joe Crede, 3B
Delmon Young, LF
Nick Punto, 2B