With a staggering .833 win percentage, the Twins share the league’s best record with the Cubs and the (5-1) Marlins. Their run differential is just off of the Dodgers for the best in the league. None of this is overly surprising and I’m sure you’ve all been seeing that, but it’s still fun to type.
Kenta Maeda goes for the Twins against JT Brubaker, who’s making his first career start after two scoreless appearances as a reliever. Time to welcome him to the big leagues.
The Twins move to Pittsburgh for what I'm calling the third of a four game series. Let's keep the momentum going and get that four-game-two-city sweep.
Cruz continues to break MLB records as a 40 year old; an inspiration to us all.
Dobnak grew up around and took in games in Pittsburgh. He now makes a start there for a depleted Twins rotation. Let's hope he can also help give the bullpen a bit of a breather.
9-2 ties a franchise record for best start to a season (the 2001 Twins and 1930 Senators also accomplished). Let's go for the record. Naturally in a cursed season, this is one of the best teams in its history.
Joined in progress. Josh Bell has a two-run homer for the Pirates already.
Here’s your pinch-hit game log.
Lance Lynn will take the ball in his Twins debut, while Jameson Taillon makes his first start of the season.
PNC Park is the top of my Ballparks To Visit list. From everything I’ve heard, it’s one of the few modern ballparks that might rival the LOL for Best in MLB honors.
Mike Pelfrey v Jeff Locke
This squad has been pretty fun to watch over the last couple of weeks, so here's hoping that trend continues.
Go Twins!
Lineups:
Twins:
1. Santana SS
2. Dozier 2B
3. Mauer 1B
4. Plouffe! 3B
5. Hunter RF
6. Suzuki C
7. Hicks CF
8. Robinson LF
9. Pelfrey P
Pirates:
1. Harrison RF
2. Walker 2B
3. McCutchen CF
4. Marte LF
5. Kang 3B
6. Alvarez 1B
7. Cervelli C
8. Mercer SS
9. Locke P
Pittsburgh at St Louis 7pm
Cole for the Buccos, Wainwright for the Redbirds.
Go Pirates.
STL at PITT 3:30
ATL at LAD after that
Liriano gets the start for the Bucs
Pirates-Cards are under way
Dodgers - Braves later tonight
More elimination tonight, everyone.
(A couple citizens need to revisit their spreadsheet answers: the first round is best of five, guys)
