GameThread: Twins vs. Red Sox, Game 46

As I posted earlier this morning, this Twins team makes absolutely no sense. Namely, that Eduardo Escobar is starting at DH and batting 5th. This lineup is incredibly top-heavy but it's worked thus far.

Phil Hughes has been struggling a bit this year, specifically that he's not striking out many batters and he's given up far too many dingers. Keeping the ball in the yard is going to be a key to beating the Sox today.

Opposing him is Rick Porcello, who has been striking out far more hitters than usual this year. The Twins are familiar with him from his Tiger days and hopefully they can use that to knock him around to earn a series sweep.

Red Sox

1. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
2. Mookie Betts, CF
3. Pable Sandoval, 3B
4. Hanley Ramirez, LF
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Mike Napoli, 1B
7. Xander Bogaerts, SS
8. Brock Holt, RF
9. Blake Swihart, C

SP Rick Porcello

Twins

1. Brian Dozier, 2B
2. Torii Hunter, RF
3. Joe Mauer, 1B
4. Trevor Plouffe, 3B
5. Eduardo Escobar, DH
6. Eddie Rosario, LF
7. Chris Herrmann, C
8. Aaron Hicks, CF
9. Danny Santana, SS

SP Phil Hughes