First Pitch: 6:10pm CDT
TV: FS-N
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Lone Star Ball
Detroit's game should be finished by the time the Twins and Rangers square off, but as of this morning the Twins have sole possession of second place in the AL Central, trailing the Tigers by 4.5 games. In spite of being 8-2 in their last ten games, the Twins are still ten games out of the Wild Card race. But I think most of us gave up the ghost on that chase a couple weeks ago. Let's get to your starting pitchers.
Overall, Pavano has picked up 11 wins this year, the most he's won since 2004 when he managed 18 while pitching for the Marlins. Tonight he goes for number 12, six days after a great start in Kansas City where he allowed two runs over seven innings. If he can keep Ranger batters guessing by continuing to drop in that slider, he could keep them in check. But if they get ahold of his fastball, it could be a bumpy ride. Whatever the case, Texas can put up some runs--so here's hoping Pavano is ready to hit his spots.
Feldman is 7-2 in his last ten starts, but his lone no-decision came two starts ago against these Twins when he gave up five runs on nine hits and a walk. This will be his third spin through a Minnesota offense, which has tagged him for eight runs in less than 12 innings. Which probably means he's due to throw that mean cut fastball and blank us over seven innings. Let's hope familiarity means something a bit more in favor of the home team.