Minnesota Twins Vs Chicago White Sox
On the strength of a five run fifth inning the Chicago White Sox managed to beat the Central leading Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night in what was the first of a two game betting mini- series at Target Field.
Coming into this series eight games out of first Chicago got some encouraging news on this night when their shortstop Alexei Ramirez and catcher A.J. Pierzynski got key run scoring hits. What makes this so encouraging is the fact that Ramirez came into the game hitting .174 in his last 23 at bats. Meanwhile Pierzynski came in hitting only .167 in his last 12 at bats. If the White Sox are to have a chance on Wednesday then they need these two to remain hot, just like the triple crown contender in the upcoming Preakness Betting Race.
The White Sox who have won two out of three will have a big challenge on Wednesday when they face Twins veteran Carl Pavano who was a hard luck loser in a 2-0 decision against the Baltimore Orioles in his last start on on May 7. Pavano who is 3-3 with a 3.43 ERA this season has always had success against Chicago. In his career he has registered an impressive 2.91 ERA against the Sox. During his last two starts batters have averaged only .228 against Pavano.
Chicago who have been inconsistent, for MLB Picks handicappers, this season has an impressive offence that is now just starting to get on track. Their leadoff hitter Juan Pierre had three hits against Minnesota on Tuesday and is hitting .400 in his last 10 at bats. Outfielder/DH Andruw Jones is off to a solid start with 9 homeruns and 17 RBIs. Their best hitter first baseman Paul Konerko has been cold in hitting only .167 in his last 18 at bats.
The main reason why I’m picking Minnesota in this game isn’t just because of Pavano and his past track record against Chciago but also do to catcher Joe Mauer returning on Tuesday to the line up. Last year’s American League MVP registered three hits in four at bats on Tuesday and is reportedly one hundred percent healthy. Overall the Twins line up is just as dangerous if not more then the White Sox and that’s saying something. Minnesota has such weapons as first baseman Justin Morneau hitting 348 and Orlando Hudson who has registered a .364 average in his past 11 at bats.
Designated hitter Jim Thome who signed last winter as a free agent has also provided some potent power to the line up. This 39 year-old has hit five homeruns and 15 RBIs in limited playing time.
Despite the explosive offence of these two teams Wednesday, sports picks experts, predict a low scoring game. The White Sox will be sending John Danks to the mound and so far this season he has been lights out with a 3-1 record and a 1.98 ERA. His only loss came in his last start against the Toronto Blue Jays when he surrendered two runs and racked up seven strikeouts in what was a tough luck 2-0 loss.
Besides for Pavano’s impressive 2.91 career ERA against Chicago and the Twins batting line up another reason why I’m picking Minnesota on Wednesday afternoon is because simply in baseball it seems like when one team wins the first of a two game series the other team comes out a little hungrier for that second game. In sports there is that pride of not wanting to be swept.