Minnesota and Baltimore split the first two games of their current four game set, but tonight's contest could well determine the series winner as both clubs attempt move past recent rough patches. This evening's game is scheduled to get underway at 7:00pm ET at Oriole Park at Camden Yards; it will be broadcast live on ESPN. The latest MLB Odds and Predictions have Baltimore listed as a -140 moneyline favorite while the game total is set at 8.5 with Under drawing -120 odds.
Baltimore (7-9, 4th AL East) snapped its eight game losing streak in dramatic fashion last night as it blasted the Twins 11-0
to even the series at a game apiece. The Orioles jumped on Minnesota's Carl Pavano early, hammering the veteran right hander for eight hits and seven earned runs inside the first five innings of play.
Several Baltimore players contributed to the offensive outburst, but none more than catcher Matt Wieters. The Georgia Tech product went 2-for-3 with three runs scored and four RBI while hitting out of the eight hole.
Orioles starter Jake Arrieta handled Minnesota's offense, limiting the Morneau and Mauer-less Twins to four hits and zero earned runs over six innings.
Rookie hurler Zach Britton will look to do the same tonight as he attempts to rebound from his worst start of the season. The California native looked almost untouchable in his first two appearances, thwarting both the Rays and Rangers (seven hits, one earned run, 13.2 innings pitched), but he came back to earth against the Indians last Friday night. Britton allowed eight hits and five earned runs in six innings to the Tribe in a 2-8 Baltimore loss.
The Twins (6-11, 5th AL Central) will counter the Orioles dynamic young lefty with four year veteran Nick Blackburn. Like Britton, Blackburn performed brilliantly in his first two starts, holding the Blue Jays and Athletics to 12 hits and one earned run; however, he did not fare as well his last time out. The 29 year old Oklahoma native gave up 10 hits and five earned runs in a 2-5 loss at Tampa Bay.
Blackburn is 1-2 in four career appearances against the Baltimore with a 5.79 ERA; he has yielded 27 hits to the Orioles in 18.2 innings pitched against them.
Twins vs Orioles Odds 2011 MLB Predictions:
Minnesota Twins +1.5 (-170), Over 8.5 (+100), +120 (Moneyline)
Baltimore Orioles -1.5 (+150), Under 8.5 (-120), -140 (Moneyline)
