Minnesota Twins vs Tampa Bay Rays
12:10 PM Thursday August 5 – MLBN
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Pitching Probables: Kevin Slowey vs. Wade Davis
Before arriving in the Tampa the Minnesota Twins were the hottest team in baseball but there is no shame in getting cooled off by the Rays who have the majors best record. The Twins have been impressive lately, especially considering that Justin Mourneau has been out but they have been getting fat playing the worst teams in the American League in Seattle, Baltimore and Kansas City. This series is showing that the Twins are a decided notch below the elite in the American League, especially when it comes to pitching. The addition of Matt Capps was solid but without some better outings from the starters this team may not catch the White Sox. Today’s starter Kevin Slowey is coming off of eight innings of shutout ball against the Mariners. He never made it out of the fifth in his one start against Tampa Bay. They are going to need him to go deeper into the game today after last night’s extra inning affair.
Last night’s loss dropped the Rays into a tie with the Yankees for first place in the American League East. They can retake the lead by coming back to beat the Twins this afternoon while New York is idle. Starting pitcher Wade Davis appears to be the weak link on the staff but he has four quality starts in a row and has won each of them. Just before that run he was roughed up by the Twins, giving up three homers in just four innings including two to ageless slugger Jim Thome. Thome didn’t get into last nights game but I have a hunch he will play today. If Davis can keep the ball in the park, something he struggles at, the Rays will win.
The odds makers have the Rays as a
Prediction: A younger, better, Rays team bounces back after extra innings disappointment with a victory to take the series.
Score Prediction:
Tampa Bay Rays – 6
Minnesota Twins – 3
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Minnesota Twins Betting Trends:
- Minnesota is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
- Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
- Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
- Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends:
- Tampa Bay is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
- Tampa Bay is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
- Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
- Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
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