The Minnesota Twins (22-18) face a tough test against Marcus Stroman at Target Field on Sunday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Chicago Cubs (19-20) with the three-game Interleague series all square at 1-1.
The Twins leveled the series 1-1 after winning 11-1 on Saturday. Starter Joe Ryan threw six scoreless innings – striking out 10 – to get the win.
Alex Kirilloff went 3 for 3 with two home runs and a double in the win. He scored three runs. Ryan Jeffers added two runs on two hits and a walk. Tucker Barnhart was 2 for 3 with one RBI for the Cubs.
ON THE MOUND
Stroman (2-3, 2.28 ERA) is set for the start for Chicago. The right-hander ranks fourth in the NL in ERA. Stroman allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 3-1 home defeat against the Cardinals on Monday.
He was charged with the loss, yielding four hits while striking out six and walking one. Right-hander Louie Varland (0-0, 4.32 ERA) will toe the rubber for Minnesota.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Cubs. In his last start on Tuesday, Varland took a no-decision at home against the Padres. He threw six innings and gave up one run on five hits, striking out six and walking two in the 6-1 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged 4.4 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.9. Against righties like Varland this season, the Cubs have a .763 OPS. Ian Happ is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a 1.064 OPS in 99 at-bats.
Minnesota is averaging 4.6 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.4 for the season. The Twins have a .692 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .882 OPS over 103 at-bats, Byron Buxton has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is 8-9 on the road in 2023, scoring 4.9 runs per game while allowing 3.5 runs. Minnesota has gone 13-8 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.7 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. In the last 10 games at Target Field between the teams, Chicago is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.5-4.3.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Twins lead the AL Central by three games over the Tigers. The Cubs are third in the NL Central, two games behind the Brewers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Minnesota Twlns (-140)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
