American League Central rivals Detroit and Minnesota conclude their abbreviated set this afternoon with a game two battle at Target Field in Minneapolis. The Twins Scott Baker will oppose the Tigers Phil Coke when the two teams begin play at 1:10pm ET today. MLB Odds have the Twins listed as a -120 moneyline favorite; the game total is set at eight with the Under drawing -120 odds.
The red hot Tigers won their fourth straight game last night to pull into a second place tie with the Kansas City Royals in the
AL Central standings. Detroit, which has won its last five games against the Twins, topped Minnesota by a score of 10-2 in the series opening affair.
The Tigers hammered Twins' ace Francisco Liriano, who was coming off his first career no-hitter, for three hits and four earned runs through the first three innings of play. Detorit, which finished the game with 11 hits and nine walks, also battered Minnesota's bullpen, posting eight hits and six earned runs against three different Twins' relievers.
Jim Leyland's squad, now 19-18 overall and 10-11 in road action, also handed Minnesota its fourth consecutive loss with the drubbing.
The Twins (12-22 overall, 4-7 home) will look to end their skid with six year veteran Scott Baker on the mound today. With the exception of his first two starts, Baker has been in fine form this season, posting a 2-2 record and 2.97 ERA in six outings. The Oklahoma State graduate last took the hill on May 6th when he limited the Red Sox to seven hits and two earned runs over eight innings at Fenway Park; Baker also struck out eight in the notable performance.
The 29 year old Baker, who hails from Shreveport, Louisiana, is 6-4 with a 4.63 ERA in 20 career starts against the Tigers.
Detroit will counter Baker with 28 year old lefty Phil Coke. Coke has been a halt to Detroit's momentum most of this season, earning a loss in five of his six starts. The California native, who has yielded 12 hits and seven earned runs in 12.2 innings pitched against the Twins, brings a 4.75 ERA and 1.39 WHIP into this afternoon's contest.
MLB Predictions Betting Trend: The Under is 8-2 in the Twins last 10 games as a home favorite versus a left-handed pitcher.
Tigers vs Twins Odds 2011 MLB Predictions:
Detroit Tigers +1.5 (-200), Over 8 (+100), +100 (Moneyline)
Minnesota Twins -1.5 (+170), Under 8 (-120), -120 (Moneyline)
