This is my first ever game log without the starting pitcher being Mike Pelfrey who single handedly made the Marlins look like a competent offense last week.
Of course, my first Pelf-less night comes with a Verlander start.
Game 23:
Vance Worley (0-3, 6.38 ERA) vs. Justin Verlander (2-2, 1.95 ERA)
I was able to watch Worley's last start thanks to the magic of a national broadcast, and I feel less concerned about his early struggles compared to Pelfrey's. That said, I'm still not expecting much overall from this game. A good Worley start will probably go un-rewarded unless the Twins can be patient tonight and drive Verlander's pitch count up to get to the soft underbelly of the Tigers bullpen. Fortunately, the Twins have recent history on their side as they've already lost the first game of a Tigers series, just like last time!
Prediction: Hicks hits his frist home run off of Verlander as revenge for making him look terrible in the first game of the season.