First Pitch: 12:10 pm
TV: FSN
Radio: TIBN/TRN
Know Thine Enemy: DRaysBay
In an early one at home this afternoon, the Twins go for a three game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays. Expect getaway day lineups from both teams, and a great deal of heartburn if the Twins are up late and Matt Capps enters in a save situation.
Strikes. That's the key for Francisco Liriano, to get ahead in the count and make hitters chase his slider and change up out of the zone. Liriano's change up was dominating last time out against the Milwaukee Brewers, it had lots of movement and repeatedly painted the low outside corner against right handed batters. I expect a big day from Liriano as he gears up for a critical three week stretch against AL Central opponents, one that will determine whether the Twins have any shot this year.
After an ugly month of May, during which he was shelled for 44 hits, 9 home runs and a 6.34 ERA in only 32+ innings, Wade Davis righted the ship during June interleague play (24 hits, 3 HR in 26.0 IP, 3.81 ERA). In April, Davis shut down the Twins allowing only four hits and one run over seven innings. Then again, in April everyone was shutting down the Twins offense. Davis doesn't strike out many batters (4.2 per nine innings), and he's a fly ball pitcher, so expect Jim Thome to mash some taters today.
Getaway lineups are posted after the jump. Everyone enjoy some afternoon baseball!
Lineups
Twins:
- Ben Revere - CF
- Alexi Casilla - 2B
- Michael Cuddyer - 1B
- Jim Thome - DH
- Danny Valencia - 3B
- Rene Tosoni - LF
- Jason Repko - RF
- Rene Rivera - C
- Tsuyoshi Nishioka - SS
Rays:
- Johnny Damon - DH
- Ben Zobrist - RF
- Evan Longoria - 3B
- B.J. Upton - CF
- Sean Rodriguez - 2B
- Casey Kotchman - 1B
- Justin Ruggiano - LF
- Kelly Shoppach - C
- Elliot Johnson - SS