TV: FSN
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Lone Star Ball
My fearless prediction for the evening - the Twins will end up with more hits than they had last night. The lead remains at 4.5 over Chicago, but with Texas a likely playoff contender, it's time to show what we can do against the big boys. Hopefully the Twins are more rested than they were last night.
Along with Francisco Liriano, Pavano has been arguably the Twins ace this year. With 174 innings pitched so far (a pace for 225 total), Pavstache has been an innings eater, but based on his last outing (6 IP, 15 H, 7 R) against Chicago all the innings may be catching up to him. Pavano's never going to be a high strikeout guy, but I find it a bit concerning that he's gone five straight starts giving up at least as many hits as innings pitched, including 25 hits in his last two starts (12.1 IP). Hopefully Pavstache can right the ship and get his 16th victory.
After dominating the last few seasons over in Japan, Colby Lewis returned to the Major Leagues this season. And in his second chance, he hasn't disappointed. Lewis and Pavano have given up around the same number of baserunners and runs, but Lewis strikes out many more hitters, over one an inning, and gives up far fewer hits. Lewis' slider rates as his best pitch, and he throws it about 1/4 of the time, along with an above average low-90's fastball he throws just over half the time. Throw in an effective changeup and a curve ball, and you've got the makings of a pretty tough pitcher. At Target Field in May, the Twins beat Lewis 2-1, but they didn't hit him very hard, 5 hits and 4 walks in 6 innings. The key for the Twins tonight is to remain patient, don't chase the slider, and take advantage of opportunities when Lewis puts runners on base. It's not going to be easy.
Lineups are posted after the jump.