First Pitch: 12:10 PM
TV: FSN
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Bless You Boys
Happy Cinco de Mayo all!
We've got an afternoon affair lined up today. Skies are overcast here in the Cities but it sounds like the rain should hold off and we should get the ball game in.
After last night's exciting finish, the Twins will try to complete their first sweep of the season at Target Field today. So far this season, they are 0-4 in potential sweep-clinching games, so we'll see if they can buck that trend today and finish off the Kittens.
Let's take a glance at today's starting pitchers:
As is evident from the stat line above, Porcello has not gotten his season off to a very strong start. He's already given up 41 hits in just 24 2/3 innings -- good for a .380 opponents' batting average -- and he's lasted through six innings in only one of his five starts. With that being said, his strikeout-to-walk ratio is fine so ultimately the hit rate should come back to earth and he should be fine. Hopefully it doesn't happen today, in his first turn against the Twins since his strong performance against them in Game 163 last year.
Slowey's season, on the other hand, is off to a fine start. He's picked up a win in three of his first five starts and is missing bats at a solid rate. The nine walks in 28 2/3 innings is a bit odd given his typically outstanding control, but Slowey has given us little reason to worry about his command. The key for him today will be proving that he can pitch deep into a game; outside of his eight-inning gem against the Indians a couple weeks ago, Slowey hasn't completed six frames in any of his five starts. Fortunately, if he does come up with another short outing today, the bullpen is well-equipped to step in early thanks to Nick Blackburn's complete game last night.
I haven't seen the lineups for today's contest anywhere yet. If someone wants to throw them up in the comments section when they're available, that'd be great. Enjoy the game everybody!