First Pitch: 3:10pm CDT
TV: FOX
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Bless You Boys
With all the progress the Twins had made since June 2, a couple of losses against the Tigers and a split against the Indians has sent a ripple of pessimism through Twinkie Town. Right now, treading water in this series is exactly what Minnesota's goal should be.
If anyone should be able to put a stop to this two-game losing streak, it should be our best pitcher. Hopefully he's geared up and ready to pitch tonight, because we need him. Good timing, Mr. Baker. Welcome back.
Penny is certainly on the downside of his career, striking out a career low 3.8 batters per nine innings. But he's still getting a good portion of ground balls. He still likes his curve, and over the last couple of seasons his changeup has the lowest BABIP of any of his offerings, but Penny is hittable. And just like any other pitcher who survives on guile and command, if Penny gets predictable or misses his spots then the Twins should be able to tee off on him. This offense could use a pitcher to tee off on right about now.
Tigers
Dirks, CF
Boesch, LF
Ordonez, RF
Cabrera, 1B
Martinez, DH
Peralta, SS
Guillen, 2B
Avila, C
Kelly, 3B
Twins
Revere, CF
Casilla, 2B
Mauer, C
Cuddyer, 1B
Kubel, DH
Valencia, 3B
Young, LF
Plouffe, RF
Nishioka, SS