The Minnesota Twins (31-27) are set to begin a four-game series against the Oakland Athletics (23-37) at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. The matchup is scheduled for 10:05 p.m. ET and will be featured as the MLB.TV Free Game of the Day.
This marks the first meeting of the season between the two teams, although they faced off last year, with the Twins securing a decisive 6-1 victory. The Twins come into this series after a tough 2-1 series loss against the Seattle Mariners, where they fell in a close game despite CF Harrison Bader tying the game with a ninth-inning sac fly. The Mariners took the win with a walk-off RBI single.
On the other hand, the A’s recently endured a four-game sweep at the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite demonstrating offensive prowess with 18 runs in the last three games, they were unable to secure a win, including a notable loss where they led 4-2 before allowing six runs in the eighth inning.
In their upcoming game, the Twins will send RHP Joe Ryan (5-2, 2.57 ERA) to the mound, who has shown impressive form throughout the season. His most recent performance was a strong six-inning outing against the Tampa Bay Rays, where he allowed just one earned run. Ryan has been particularly effective on the road, holding a 2.31 ERA in five starts this season.
The A’s will counter with RHP Luis Severino (1-4, 3.89 ERA), who has struggled at home with a higher ERA of 6.20 this season. Severino is looking to improve upon his last start, where he pitched effectively despite a loss against the Houston Astros.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Twins are favored with a moneyline of -160, indicating a bet of $160 to win $100, while the A’s sit at +135. The over/under for the game is set at 9 runs, suggesting an expectation of a competitive scoring environment.
Predictions favor the Twins to edge out the A’s, with scores projected around Twins 6, A’s 5. Despite the A’s nearly overcoming their recent struggles, the Twins’ current form, particularly in Ryan’s outings, is expected to provide a decisive advantage.
This series presents an opportunity for the Twins to build momentum, while the A’s will seek to turn their fortunes around amidst a challenging stretch. Fans can hope for an exciting series as both teams battle for vital wins.
Positive note: Despite their records, every game is a chance for teams to turn around their season, and for the A’s, this series might just be the spark they need to regain their competitive edge.