The last time the Twins had an opportunity to win a series: April 22. After beating the Rays on a Friday and dropping the Saturday game, they had a chance to steal a series in Tampa Bay. We all know it didn't happen. This is an opportunity for the Twins to have a good weekend. New things are good.
Noesi, a 25-year old right hander looking to hold down his rotation spot, has had a very Twins-pitcher-esque start to the season. With the exception of a start against Oakland, he's been nothing better than ineffective. Half of his balls in play have been fly balls and a fair number of those are leaving the yard, so if the Twins would like to maybe get a little offense going then today could be a good time.
Noesi mixes a fastball around 92-93 with a decent slider, a mid-80s change and a slow curve. Left-handed hitters have crushed him so far this year, hitting .327/.370/.633. Minnesota is starting six left-handed hitters.
Nick's biggest issues have been magnified a bit this season, and lefties are hitting him harder than they are Noesi: .407/.484/.704. The Mariners are starting seven batters who can hit from the left side.
Lineups after the jump.
Twins
Span, CF
Carroll, SS
Mauer, C
Willingham, LF
Doumit, DH
Parmelee, 1B
Valencia, 3B
Komatsu, RF
Casilla, 2B
Mariners
Ackley, 2B
Ryan, SS
Suzuki, RF
Montero, DH
Seager, 3B
Jaso, C
Smoak, 1B
Carp, LF
Saunders, CF