Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images/Sipa USA
Miami Marlins vs Minnesota Twins: The Twins are hanging on
The Miami Marlins are visiting the Minnesota Twins to close out the series tonight at Target Field.
Another disappointing season for the Marlins
The Miami Marlins are at the bottom of the NL East with a 58-100 record, including 28-49 on the road. They have lost 5 of the last 7 games. Miami has a 4.83 ERA, a .256 batting average, a .332 on-base percentage, and 1.39 walks plus hits per inning pitched. Jake Burger is the best player on the team, with 127 hits, 65 runs, and 29 home runs for the season.
A must-win game for the Twins
The Minnesota Twins are third in the AL Central with an 82-76 record, including 43-34 at home. After losing three consecutive games, they won 8-3 last night against Miami. Minnesota has a 4.22 ERA, a .237 batting average, a .300 on-base percentage, and 1.21 walks plus hits per inning pitched. Willi Castro leads the Twins with 137 hits and 88 runs so far in the season while Carlos Santana is on top with 22 home runs.
Betting Trends
The Twins are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games overall, 2-7 SU in their last 9 games against teams from the NL, and 1-4 SU in their last 5 games against teams from the NL East. Minnesota has played over the total run line in 6 of their last 7 home games and 5 of their last 6 home games against Miami. The Marlins are 4-11 SU in their last 15 games overall, 4-2 SU in their last 6 games against the Twins, and 2-7 SU in their last 9 games played on Thursday. Miami has played under the total run line in 4 of their last 5 games on the road.
Prediction and Conclusion
The Minnesota Twins are going into this game with only a 22.5% chance to make it to the playoffs. Things are not in their full control at this point, but they have to win every game left on the schedule and hope for the other results to go in their favor. The Twins won 8-3 last night even though they went 3-0 down in the first inning. They will try to add another one tonight, going with David Festa on the mound. The rookie is 2-6 for the season, with a 4.80 ERA, 72 K, 60 IP, and 1.28 WHIP. The Marlins will start their rookie, Valente Bellozo, who is 3-4 for the season with a 3.82 ERA, 42 K, 63.2 IP, and 1.30 WHIP. The Marlins have nothing to lose in this game while the Twins have their season on the line. In that scenario, we go with the Twins winning this one.
