First Pitch: 3:05 PM CST
TV: FSN
Radio: 96.3 KTWIN, TIBN
Know Thine Enemy: Federal Baseball
The Nationals have been a significant disappointment this season. They were supposed to be one of the contenders in the NL East, but instead they are sitting around .500 while the Braves and Pirates are leading the way. Even worse is that they've seen stars Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg, and Jayson Werth all hit the disabled list this season with various ailments. While we will get to see former Twin Denard Span, there will be no Harper, Strasburg, or even Wilson Ramos to see during this weekend.
Ryan Doumit moves up to batting third for the Twins today thanks to his hot streak. Also, it looks a little odd that Aaron Hicks is batting 6th directly behind Justin Morneau, but we should remember that Hicks has handled lefthanded pitching just fine this season as he's hit .243/.310/.541 against them.
Nationals
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Jayson Werth, RF
3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
4. Adam LaRoche, 1B
5. Ian Desmond, SS
6. Anthony Rendon, 2B
7. Roger Bernadina, LF
8. Kurt Suzuki, C
9. Gio Gonzalez, P
Twins
1. Jamey Carroll, 3B
2. Joe Mauer, C
3. Ryan Doumit, RF
4. Josh Willingham, LF
5. Justin Morneau, 1B
6. Aaron Hicks, CF
7. Brian Dozier, 2B
8. Pedro Florimon, SS
9. Kevin Correia. P