First Pitch: 7:10pm CDT TV: FS-N Radio: K-Twin, TIBN Know Thine Enemy: Royals Review
In what seems to be a rare night game, the Twins have a chance to even up the series against the Royals and continue their winning ways. Of specific note: Joe Mauer is catching for the fourth day in a row. Also of specific note: Aaron Hicks is taking the day off.
Here are your starting pitchers:
Mike Pelfrey is making his second start for the Twins tonight, as well as his second official start since undergoing Tommy John's surgery last May. Pelfry gave up two unearned runs in 5 1/3 innings in his first start last Thursday against the Tigers--a very pleasant surprise. Pelfry hopes to recreate that outing here tonight, except without all the errors by his teammates.
Additionally, tonight's game is somewhat of a homecoming for Pelfrey, who grew up in Wichita. He's never pitched at Kauffman Stadium before, so he's got about 20 people driving in to watch him play. Hopefully it will inspire Pelfrey to pitch a perfect game, or at least just a good one.
The Royals acquired Jeremy Guthrie from the Rockies last season, and he's been pitching pretty well since then. Guthrie's first start of the season last Thursday against the White Sox was no exception--he gave up only one run on five hits over 6 innings. Oh, he also struck out nine batters, which he credited to his slider.
Luckily, the Twins have had some success off Guthrie in the past. In their history facing Guthrie, Joe Mauer has 5 hits in 10 at-bats, Justin Morneau has 5 in 14 at-bats, and Ryan Doumit is 2 for 2. Josh Willingham has fared ok against Guthire, having 2 hits in 8 at-bats.
Here are your lineups:
Twins
1. Darin Mastroianni (R) CF
2. Joe Mauer (L) C
3. Josh Willingham (R) LF
4. Justin Morneau (L) 1B
5. Ryan Doumit (S) DH
6. Trevor Plouffe (R) 3B
7. Chris Parmelee (L) RF
8. Jamey Carroll (R) 2B
9. Eduardo Escobar (S) SS
Royals
1. Alex Gordon (L) LF
2. Alcides Escobar (R) SS
3. Billy Butler (R) DH
4. Mike Moustakas (L) 3B
5. Salvador Perez (R) C
6. Eric Hosmer (L) 1B
7. Jeff Francoeur (R) RF
8. Lorenzo Cain (R) CF
9. Chris Getz (L) 2B
Poll
What are your thoughts on Joe catching his fourth game in a row?
This poll is closed
-
11%
Worried that he's pushing himself too hard given his slumping performance at the plate.
(3 votes) -
29%
It's great, and I'm not worried because I trust Joe.
(8 votes) -
14%
Have you seen Doumit catch?
(4 votes) -
14%
He's only catching so much as an excuse for not hitting dingers.
(4 votes) -
18%
He can always go home and ice all those foul-tip hits with an ice pack made out of $100 bills.
(5 votes) -
11%
Joe who?
(3 votes)