First Pitch: 6:05 pm CDT
TV: FS-N
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Bless You Boys
I believe that I'm obligated to note that this is the two teams' first meeting since Game 163 (note: WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!). Just a guess: Brandon Inge is going to get the benefit of the doubt on any inside pitches that appear to have hit him.
Your starting pitchers:
Tied for the AL lead in ERA with dirty cheater Andy Pettitte. Grain of salt warning: second-best ERA in the NL belongs to Livan Hernandez.
The Tigers' ace is off to a rough start, which will ideally continue for at least one more game. That said, he's owned Michael Cuddyer, who is a lifetime 5-for-34 against Verlander. Joe C. notes that both Jim Thome and the slumping Jason Kubel have fared much better against him, giving Gardy something to think about as he puts his starting lineup together for tonight (Jason Tyner/Matt Tolbert joke goes here).
Other items:
Christensen also quotes Jim Leyland as saying there will be no Joel Zumaya for at least the first two games of the series due to fatigue. Guitar Hero will get you every time, Joel. Let me know if you mastered "Devil Went Down to Georgia" on Expert level yet.
How much better have the Twins been on the road this year? Contrast their 7-3 record this year with the date of their seventh road win of 2009: June 5th.
"I'm not going to lie, I still have that little burning, ticked-off feeling in me like I can't believe that happened." Brandon Inge, talking about you-know-what.
Lineups:
Enjoy the game, everybody.