The Minnesota Twins (17-14) are on the road to face the Chicago White Sox (10-21) at Guaranteed Rate Field on Thursday with the home team looking for a sweep of the three-game series.
The White Sox lead the series 2-0 after winning 6-4 on Wednesday, their third head-to-head victory in five games this season. Gregory Santos got the win with 1.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen, and Keynan Middleton struck out the side in the ninth to pick up his first save of the season.
Tim Anderson went 3 for 4 with one run and one RBI in the win. Byron Buxton was 1 for 2 with a double and one RBI, walking twice, for the Twins. Nick Gordon added a solo home run.
ON THE MOUND
Pablo Lopez (2-2, 4.00 ERA) is set for the start for Minnesota. The righty is tied for fourth in the AL in strikeouts (46). Lopez allowed six runs over six innings in his last start, an 8-6 home win over the Royals on Friday.
He got the win, giving up eight hits while striking out seven and walking one. Lopez has made one previous start against the White Sox this season, a 4-3 home victory on April 11. He surrendered two runs on three hits over 7.2 innings, striking out 10 and walking one.
Right-hander Lucas Giolito (1-2, 4.15 ERA) will take the mound for Chicago. He has made one prior start against the Twins this season, giving up one run over six innings in a 3-1 road defeat on April 12.
He gave up five hits and walked two, while striking out seven in the loss.In his last start on Friday, Giolito took a no-decision at home against the Rays. He threw 6.2 innings and gave up two runs on eight hits, striking out six, in the 3-2 loss.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Minnesota has averaged 4.8 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.5. Against righties like Giolito this season, the Twins have a .736 OPS. Buxton is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .966 OPS in 84 at-bats.
Chicago is averaging 5.2 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.1 for the season, with an improved slash line (.271/.337/.400). The Sox have a .660 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .862 OPS over 68 at-bats, Yasmani Grandal has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Minnesota is on a three-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 7-8 in 2023. The Twins have scored 4.3 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.5 runs.
Chicago has won three in a row at home. The Sox are 6-9 at home this season, averaging 4.7 runs per game while surrendering 7.1. Chicago is 7-3 in the last 10 games between the AL Central rivals at Guaranteed Rate Field with an average scoreline of 5.0-4.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Twins lead the AL Central by three games over the Guardians. The White Sox are fourth in the AL Central, seven games behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Minnesota Twins (-140)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our MLB hub page for all your baseball needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
