Series Preview: Orioles at Twins

While the Twins started 0-7, the Orioles started 7-0 and that has propelled them to first place in the AL East. The O's swept the Twins when they met in the first series of the year, although the three games were pretty close. The O's are led by the trio of  Manny Machado, Chris Davis, and Mark Trumbo on offense. Baltimore is in the top ten in baseball in ERA (3.63) and OPS (.778). So, the task doesn't get any easier for the Twins, having just gotten swept by the now-very-good White Sox.

Speaking of those Twins, they've dropped their last 5 to fall to 8-23. They are half a game ahead of the 7-23 Atlanta Braves, though.

Who's hot:

• Brian Dozier: 6-11, 2B, HR
• Manny Machado: 8-23, 5 2B, 2 HR
  

Who's not:

• Joe Mauer: 2-18 2 BB, 6 SO (PANIC)
• Chris Davis: 1-21, HR, 2 BB, 10 SO
  

Game 1

Monday, May 9th, 7:10 PM CST

TV: FS-N

Radio: TIBN, Go 96.3

Probables: Tyler Wilson vs Jose Berrios

Two young starters battle in the series opener. We collected a handful of appearances against Wilson, but nothing much to write home about. The Twins last win came in Jose Berrios' last start, so they hope that's a sustainable trend.

Game 2

Tuesday, May 10th, 7:10 PM CST

TV: FS-N

Radio: TIBN, Go 96.3

Probables: Kevin Gausman vs Phil Hughes

Miguel Sano has 2 hits off of Gausman, both home runs. Joe "Lazy" Mauer is 5-8 against him.

Game 3

Wednesday, May 11th, 12:10 PM CST

TV: FS-N

Radio: TIBN, Go 96.3

Probables: Chris Tillman(?) vs Ricky Nolasco

Tillman looks to be having a rebound year, after last year's 4.99 ERA. He has bumped his K/9 from a sub-par 6.3 up to a cool 9.3. He's only given up 1 HR in 32 innings, a number that probably isn't sustainable but still nice. In 70 PA the Twins hitters have only managed a .530 OPS against Tillman. Meanwhile Ricky is looking much more like his old self lately (not good).

Prediction: Berrios will get his second career win, but it will be the only win we get in this series.