Game 27: Astros at Twins

First Pitch: 6:40p Central
“The Tube”: FOX Sports North; fubo.tv (subscription)
Sound waves in English: WCCO 830 AM, Treasure Island Baseball Network
Sound waves en español: twinsbeisbol.com
Know Thine Nemesis: The Crawfish Boxes

After a stellar pitching performance last night, the Minnesota Twins continue their quest and at least split the series by beating the Houston Astros tonight. The Twins will send Michael Pineda to the mound. “Big Mike”, as he’s called on the streets, faced Houston exactly one week ago, thanks to MLB’s fantastic scheduling team wanting the Twins to get Houston out of the way to start the season. If you have ESPN+ (subscription), watch the 30 for 30 segment on a couple who did MLB’s full scheduling for 25 years. In Houston last week, Pineda went 5.1 innings, allowing eight hits, four earned runs, two walks, and striking out four batters as the Twins went on to lose 10-4. Overall, he’s posted a 5.63 ERA in five starts, earning a 2-1 record, allowing 15 earned runs and a WHIP of 1.375. He’s looking to rebound and get on the right track after a couple of rough starts.

The Astros will counter with Gerrit Cole tonight, who’s the current league leader in strikeouts with Max Scherzer, each having 54. “Gerrit”, as he’s called on the streets, faced Cleveland in his last start, going seven innings, giving up two homers, and getting tagged with the L in a 4-1 game in Houston. He’s already given up six homers this year, so let’s hope the home run parade continues for our local nine. Overall this season, Cole has started six games and has a 4.71 ERA in 36.1 innings, being tagged for 19 earned runs, but also sporting a 13.4 K/9.

GO TWINS GO, and see you on the other side of the game!

Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.