Detroit Tigers Vs. Minnesota Twins Series Preview
By Tony Fischer
April 28, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Austin Jackson (14) hits a three run home run in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Tigers continue their homestand against the Minnesota Twins tonight at Comerica Park. The Twins come into the series with an 11-10 record after splitting a four game set against the Rangers in Minneapolis. The Detroit Tigers (13-10) look to continue their offensive explosion after scoring 25 runs during a weekend sweep of the Atlanta Braves.
The Twins lead the season series 2-1 after taking two from the Tigers to open the season.
Key Players:
Minnesota Twins
Joe Mauer is slumping. He is 2 for his last 24 at bats after starting the season out hitting .375. Mauer leads a Twins offense with several of their stars struggling. Over the last 10 games Justin Morneau has hit .238, Aaron Hicks .240 and Josh Willingham .222. Although many of the Twins big bats are struggling they still are able to scratch out wins under the direction of Manager Ron Gardenhire.
Detroit Tigers
Austin Jackson busted out of his slump during the Braves series and has built himself a modest 4 game hitting streak. The Tigers offense is much more productive when A-Jax is getting on base. If he is able to continue his recent pace the offense should be ver productive against a suspect Twins pitching staff.
Justin Verlander left his last start early with a blister on his pitching hand. So far all systems are go for his start on Tuesday but if he can’t get a handle on it a stint on the disabled list might be around the corner.
Probable Pitchers and Start times:
Monday 4/29 7:08
Mike Pelphery 2-2 7.94 ERA vs Max Scherzer 2-0 4.13 ERA
Tuesday 4/30 708pm
Vance Worley 0-3 6.38 ERA vs Justin Verlander 2-2 1.95 ERA
Wednesday 5/1 1:08 pm
Scott Diamond 1-2 4.32 ERA vs Anibal Sanchez 3-1 1.34 ERA
Prediction:
The Tigers are a much better team than the Minnesota Twins on paper. They weren’t able to prove that in the season opening series against the but should fare better in the friendly confines of Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers are under-achieving so far this season and need to beat teams they should beat. The Twins are one of those teams. The Tigers will win two games in the series but should sweep if they are serious about staying on top of the AL Central division.
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