Healing Heartbreak: a preview and prediction of the series finale with Oakland
Entry posted by Nash Walker ·
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Written by Nash Walker
Saturday was a whirlwind for the Twins. You watched it. You read about it. Let's move on.
Final: Minnesota 4, Oakland 5
Series Score: Minnesota 1, Oakland 2
Central Division: Minnesota by 3 over Cleveland
MIchael Pineda takes the hill Sunday and is enjoying a spectacular July. In 12 innings, Pineda has struck out 12 and walked one. Pineda struggled in April and May, but his ERA has plummeted this summer. He is an efficient pitcher, allowing just two homers in his last eight starts.
The Twins realistically have three (maybe four) available relievers to follow Pineda. Ryne Harper warmed up on Saturday but did not enter and should be ready after throwing 29 pitches on Friday. Kohl Stewart has yet to make an appearance after being called up and is seemingly the freshest arm in the pen. Trevor May has not pitched since Wednesday. Taylor Rogers is the only other reliever who would not be pitching for their third straight day.
Daniel Mengden will start for Oakland and has done so seven times this year. He owns a 4.21 ERA and 1.3 WHIP. Mengden faced the Twins two weeks ago and allowed eight hits and five runs. Mengden walked 16 and struck out 34 in 47 innings this season.
The Twins are batting .321 against Mengden in 53 at-bats. Jason Castro and Miguel Sano are 4/8 with a homer each.
The Athletics are hitting a cool .172 with 10 strikeouts off Pineda in 29 at-bats . Khris Davis is 0/5, and Mark Canha is 0/3 with two strikeouts.
Twins projected lineup: Assuming Buxton remains out (concussion)
1. Max Kepler CF
2. Marwin Gonzalez RF
3. Jorge Polanco DH
4. Eddie Rosario LF
5. C.J Cron 1B
6. Luis Arraez 2B
7. Ehire Adrianza SS
8. Miguel Sano 3B
9. Jason Castro C
Prediction: Nelson Cruz gets a day off before the Yankees. Michael Pineda rides his strong history to six more good innings of work. The Twins beat up on the porous Mengden. Kepler hits a bomba, Marwin has a big day, Polanco knocks in a few runs and Castro adds insurance late with a triple decker.
Score: Minnesota 7, Oakland 3
Enjoy your Sunday!
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