The San Diego Padres (19-17) are on the road to face the Minnesota Twins (19-17) at Target Field on Wednesday. The Padres took Tuesday’s series opener 6-1. Starter Michael Wacha went six innings, giving up one run on three hits, to get the win.
Juan Soto was 4 for 4 with two doubles and one run in the win. Jose Miranda went 1 for 4 with a double and one RBI for the Twins.
ON THE MOUND
Seth Lugo (3-2, 3.21 ERA) is slated for the start for San Diego. The RHP allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 7-1 road win over the Reds on May 3. He got the win, scattering seven hits while striking out five and walking two.
For Minnesota, righty Pablo Lopez (2-2, 3.77 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Padres.
Lopez made two appearances against the Padres in 2022, both as the starter, striking out seven and walking five over 12.2 innings (1-1, 4.26).
In his last start on Thursday, Lopez took a no-decision on the road against the White Sox. He threw seven innings and gave up two runs on six hits, striking out eight and walking one in the 7-3 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, San Diego has averaged 4.2 runs a game, equal to their season average. Against right-handed pitchers like Lopez this season, the Padres have a .687 OPS. Soto is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a 1.030 OPS in 82 at-bats.
Minnesota is averaging only 2.6 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.3 for the season, with their slash line dropping across the board (.138/.238/.251).
The Twins have a .693 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .922 OPS over 97 at-bats, Byron Buxton has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
San Diego is 9-6 away from Petco Park in 2023, scoring 4.2 runs per game while allowing 4.2 runs. Minnesota has gone 10-7 at home this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 4.1. In eight games at Target Field between the teams, Minnesota is 6-2 with an average scoreline of 4.9-2.8.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Padres are third in the NL West, two games behind the division-leading Dodgers. The Twins lead the AL Central by two games over the Guardians.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Minnesota Twins (-130)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
