First Pitch: 7:10 pm
TV: FSN
Radio: TIBN/TRN
Know Thine Enemy: D Rays Bay
Is Scott Baker Pretty Awesome?: Indeed
After last night's win against the Rays at Target Field, the Twins look to secure a series win tonight against a talented Tampa team. Scott Baker will be throwing for the Twins, while the Rays' All Star pitcher James Shields goes for Tampa. Both Baker and Shields have been very good their last few outings, so tonight's game should be a good duel.
Lineups, notes, and pitcher information after the jump...
We all know how great Baker has been this year, and all we can really do is hope the trend continues tonight. He's up against a potent TB lineup, and the offense will be facing a shutdown TB pitcher in Shields. Baker hasn't allowed a run in his last 16 1/3 innings at Target Field, and has had a lot of success against the Rays in his past few starts, going 1-0 with a .82 ERA.
Shields has been spectacular for the Rays this year, having 3 CG/SOs already on the year, and a sub-3.00 ERA. The one thing about Shields is that he hasn't pitched as well against the Twins as he has other teams (3.70 ERA in his past 3 outings, though he does have two wins in that same 3 game period), and the offense needs to take advantage of that tonight if they plan on taking the series.
LINEUPS
Minnesota
1) Ben Revere, CF
2) Alexi Casilla, 2B
3) Joe Mauer, C
4) Michael Cuddyer (ALL STAR), 1B
5) Jim Thome (Professional TATER MASHER), DH
6) Danny Valencia, 3B
7) Rene Tosoni, LF
8) Jason Repko, RF
9) Tsuyoshi Nishioka, SS
Tampa Bay
Will be posted when available
Notes
-Delmon Young is actually playing baseball again, getting some playing time in Rochester. I've heard rumors of a return within the next week.
-Justin Morneau might be back by the middle of August, depending on how recovery from surgery goes.
-Kevin Slowey didn't pitch very well today. Pitching well is pretty mainstream.
Game Within the Game
Does JIMMERS get another step (or two? or three?) closer to 600?