Twins Notebook 9/23: Ace in the Hole

[David Youngs]

Following last night’s thrilling extra-inning walk off win the Twins will cap off the season series against the Tigers by putting their ace, Kenta Maeda on the bump. The game marks the final AL Central matchup for the Twins, as they sit just a half game behind the White Sox in the division standings.Tuesday’s Game Recap

 

MIN 5, DET 4: Kepler Delivers Walk-Off Hit, Twins Half Game Back in Division

 

Today

Twins vs Tigers 6:40 pm CDT

Betting Line: MIN -286, DET +250, O/U: 8

 

Twins Starter: Kenta Maeda (5-1) RHP 2.52 ERA

Kenta Maeda is one of the best pitchers in the American League. In fact he’s ranked third amongst starting pitchers in the AL on ESPN’s Cy Young Predictor, only behind division foes Shane Bieber and Dallas Keuchel. And regardless of what the friendly folks at ESPN say, Maeda has earned the title of Twins ace.

 

However, Maeda’s one loss of the year came on August 30 at Detroit, when he gave up three runs on six hits in 6.0 innings. A bad outing? Not by any means, but it was the only start all year where Maeda gave up six or more hits. In his September 5 no-decision outing against the Tigers, Maeda gave up run runs on two hits in 6.0 innings.

 

Despite his 0-1 season record against Detroit, Tiger hitters have batted a meager .159 AVG against Maeda this season. Almost all of Maeda’s starts in 2020 have been quality starts, expect another one tonight.

 

Tigers Starter: Casey Mize (0-2) RHP 6.02 ERA

Drafted by the Tigers in 2018, the Auburn Tiger alum is still looking for his first Major League win. Mize has faced the Twins twice this year, earning a no-decision in both outings. The first of those was on August 30 when he faced off against Maeda in a game the Tigers won 3-2. Mize only lasted three innings in that game and four in his subsequent outing against Minnesota on September 6.

 

While the Twins haven’t recorded wins in both outings against Mize their bats have come alive against the young righty. The Twins have hit .297 against Mize and have forced him out of the game early in both matchups. Expect the Twins offense to plate more runs against Mize then they have all season.

 

Twins Lineup

 

Tigers Lineup

 

Playoffs?!

Three days ago it seemed as if the AL Central was out of reach for the Twins following their series defeat to the White Sox that put them three games back from the 'Southsiders' in the standings. But following last night's victory and two consecutive White Sox losses the Twins sit just .5 games back from Chicago. Cleveland ace Shane Bieber takes the mound tonight as the Indians look to sweep the White Sox. A Twins win and a White Sox loss tonight would put Minnesota atop the AL Central.

 

The Smell of October

The Postseason fever is in the air across the Majors with a large number of teams starting their projected Wild Card round game one starter.

Off all the great pitching matchups on the day Bieber vs. Giolito will be the marquee showdown as the Indians hope to continue their stretch of success and help out the Twins.

 

Around the AL Central

- Indians 5, White Sox 3

- Cardinals 5, Royals 0

 

1. CWS 34-21 0.0 GB

2. MIN 34-22 0.5 GB

3. CLE 31-24 3.0 GB

4. DET 22-31 11.0 GB

5. KC 22-33 12.0 GB

 

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[h2oface]

Looks like Cincinnati is lining Trevor Bauer up for the possible opening game of the wild card round. I think it is really because he doesn't want to face Kepler this weekend! 

[Trov]

 

Looks like Cincinnati is lining Trevor Bauer up for the possible opening game of the wild card round. I think it is really because he doesn't want to face Kepler this weekend! 

I so would have loved to see Kepler face him just to see if Kepler could hit 3 more HR, or only when it was in Cleveland. 

[Trov]

Big last 4 games.  We need to win 3 in my opinion to have a chance in our first round.  We will keep home field, and very few teams have done well on the road this year.  Got our Ace going tonight lets lock down the win.

[big dog]

OK, I'm ready for a nice, solid, 11-0 victory. WHO'S WITH ME????

[davethekid]

I've been saying all roads do Not lead to NYY, at least not in round 1.

Twins win with Maeda tonight and take at least 2 of 3 vs. CIN and end up 37-23.

ChiSox lose vs. Bieber tomorrow and against both Darvish/Lester and (maybe anybody vs. Lopez) then end up 36-24 at best.

Prove me wrong. Worst case we'll still get home field vs. NYY and I can't see us losing 2 of 3 at home against them this year. We haven't lost 2 games in any series this year.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

The Smell of October

The Postseason fever is in the air across the Majors with a large number of teams starting their projected Wild Card round game one starter.

 

 

Looks like Cincinnati is lining Trevor Bauer up for the possible opening game of the wild card round. I think it is really because he doesn't want to face Kepler this weekend! 

 

Actually, the NL wild card round begins a day later than the AL round, so even Friday starters this week will be able to pitch game 1 on regular rest in the NL.

 

I think Cincinnati moved up Bauer so they can *make* the playoffs -- they are in an extremely tight race and playing a direct competitor in Milwaukee, so tonight's game effectively counts double toward their playoff chances compared to this weekend's games vs the Twins. Plus, Bauer pitching tonight also leaves open the possibility of using Bauer again on Sunday on short rest, or out of the pen.

 

Probably a mini-version of how the Brewers used C.C. Sabathia late in 2008 before he left as a free agent. (Mini compared to Sabathia's workload and his frame )

[Otto von Ballpark]

Clevinger leaves the game after 1 inning for San Diego due to an apparent injury (after having this start pushed back due to "biceps tightness").

[davethekid]

CLE with another walk-off win against ChiSox, Twins in 1st and up 6-0. Will be in sole possession in 3 innings. 

[Aichiman]

 

CLE with another walk-off win against ChiSox, Twins in 1st and up 6-0. Will be in sole possession in 3 innings. 

Don't count your innings before they're played!