First Pitch: 7:10pm CDT
TV: FSN
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: True Blue LA
Let's chalk up last night's 15-0 drubbing to a Dodgers team taking out its frustration with the bankruptcy. Still, the wheels are dangerously close to falling off the Twins 2011 season (if they hadn't already), as the losing streak now stands at six games and counting.
After a poor month of May, during which Brian Duensing gave up 24 earned runs over 24.2 innings pitched, and his overall ERA rose to a season high 5.37, he's been much better in June, with three quality starts in four times out. Duensing fell victim to a lack of run support in his last start, as he gave up one run over 6.2 innings, but the offense couldn't do a thing against Tim Lincecum.
Ted Lilly has pitched better than his 4.63 ERA would indicate, as his FIP (4.35) and xFIP (3.87) are both well below his ERA. Lilly's a classic "crafty" left hander, as his fastball, which has never averaged over 90 MPH, is down to a career low 86.9 MPH average this season. Lilly mixes a slider, curve ball and change up about half the time. He hasn't been particularly tough on left handers this season, evidenced by his .259 batting average against and 4.98 SO/9, compared to .272 and 7.23 respectively against right handers. Lilly has been hit hard in his last two starts, giving up 14 hits and 11 earned runs over 10 innings pitched.