The Baltimore Orioles (52-35) will have their work cut out for them against Sonny Gray at Target Field on Saturday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Minnesota Twins (45-44).
The Orioles took Friday’s series opener 3-1 in 10 innings, their second head-to-head victory in four games this season. Reliever Felix Bautista was credited with the win after throwing two scoreless innings.
Anthony Santander was 1 for 3 with a double and one run in the win. Willi Castro went 1 for 3 with one RBI for the Twins.
ON THE MOUND
Tyler Wells (6-4, 3.19 ERA) is slated to get the start for Baltimore. The RHP allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 6-3 road defeat against the Yankees on Monday. He gave up five hits while striking out four and walking two in the no-decision.
Wells is making his first appearance against the Twins this season. Over two starts against the Twins in 2022, Wells was 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA over 11 innings. He had 11 strikeouts and one walk.
For Minnesota, right-hander Gray (4-2, 2.50 ERA) is on the mound. His only prior start against the Orioles this season was his last outing, when Gray held opposing hitters scoreless over six innings in a 2-1 road defeat on Sunday.
He gave up two hits and walked three while striking out seven in the no-decision. The righty ranks second in the AL in ERA.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Baltimore has averaged 6.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.8, while performing better across the board (.299/.368/.478).
Against righties like Gray this season, the O’s have a .740 OPS. Gunnar Henderson is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .866 OPS in 204 at-bats.
Minnesota is averaging 4.8 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.2 for the season. The Twins have a .729 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .796 OPS over 185 at-bats, Byron Buxton has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Baltimore is on a three-game winning streak on the road, bringing their record to 26-17 in 2023. The O’s have scored 5.3 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.6 runs.
Minnesota has gone 26-20 at home this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 3.9. Minnesota is 8-2 in the last 10 games between the teams at Target Field with an average scoreline of 4.6-2.4.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Orioles are second in the AL East, three games behind the division-leading Rays. The Twins lead the AL Central by zero games over the Guardians.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Minnesota Twins (-125)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
