Game 31: Twins at Cardinals

First Pitch: 7:10 pm CDTTV: FSN, ESPNRadio: WCCO 830, TIBNKnow Thine Enemy: Viva El Birdos

Highly-rated pitching prospect Fernando Romero takes the mound tonight for his second start with the Twins. He shut out the Toronto Blue Jays over 5.2 innings in his first appearance. In that game he was a little wild, giving up three walks, but also struck out five. He throws a wicked high-90's fastball, which is a beautiful thing to watch.

The opposing pitcher is John Gant. I don't think he is actually related to Ron Gant, but maybe Joe Mauer can pull him off of first anyway? Gant is a bit of a swingman, operating as both a starter and reliever over the last few seasons. This will be his second appearance of the year for St. Louis, and his first start. He threw three scoreless innings in the previous outing. St. Louis played two extra inning games this weekend, so if the Twins can chase Gant early, their bullpen may be spent.

This will be the first time any of the batters have faced either of the starting pitchers in the majors. By the way, the pitchers are batting today, due to stupid National League rules.