First Pitch: 7:10pm CDT
TV: FSN
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Lookout Landing
This game begins a three-game set with the Mariners; the Twins have Thursday off before taking on Anaheim at home over the weekend as part of a six-game homestand.
I remember complaining last week when the Twins had to face Felix Hernandez and Michael Pineda in a two-game series. What I didn't know is that if anything, Vargas has been better lately. He's given up just one run in three May starts. He's thrown 16 consecutive scoreless innings over his past two starts, including nine shutout innings against the Orioles (a game he got a no-decision in because the Mariners didn't score a run either and lost in 12 innings.) In his last start, he struck out nine and allowed just four hits and two walks in seven innings against Anaheim.
After a pair of awful starts at the beginning of May, Pavano settled down with a couple of decent outings. He didn't walk anyone his last time out, correcting a problem he's had this year, and he worked through seven innings. The Twins hope he can build on his last start, instead of reverting to being Mr. Seven Runs On Twelve Hits.