The Minnesota Twins (35-34) host the Detroit Tigers (28-39) at Target Field on Friday. The Tigers took Thursday’s series opener 8-4. Starter Matthew Boyd went six innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and striking out eight, to get the win.
Matt Vierling was 3 for 3 with one run and one RBI in the win. Donovan Solano went 1 for 2 with a home run and three RBIs for the Twins. Willi Castro added a double, one run, and one RBI.
ON THE MOUND
Righty Joe Ryan (7-3, 2.90 ERA) gets the start for Minnesota. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Tigers. Ryan made four appearances against the Tigers in 2022, all starts, striking out 33 and walking three over 23.2 innings (4-0, 0.76).
In his last start on Saturday, Ryan took a no-decision on the road against the Blue Jays. He threw six innings and gave up three runs on six hits, striking out four and walking one in the 9-4 win. The right-hander is tied for fifth in the AL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Detroit has averaged 6.2 runs a game, up from their season average of 3.7, while slashing better across the board (.312/.369/.534). Against righties like Ryan this season, the Tigers have a .649 OPS, second lowest in MLB.
Riley Greene is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .834 OPS in 155 at-bats. Minnesota is averaging 6.0 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.4 for the season, with a better slash line (.272/.342/.509).
HOME AND AWAY
Detroit is 13-21 on the road in 2023, scoring 3.3 runs per game while allowing 4.5 runs. Minnesota has gone 20-15 at home this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.9. Minnesota is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings at Target Field with an average scoreline of 4.2-3.0.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Twins lead the AL Central by two games over the Guardians. The Tigers are fourth in the AL Central, six games behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Minnesota Twins -1.5 (-120)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
