Jeff Benton
For Wednesday’s Bonus Play on the diamond, we’ll back the Twins in their series finale against the Red Sox.
Minnesota evened this three-game set with Tuesday’s 5-2 victory over Jon Lester and the Red Sox, and in doing so, improved to 12-5 in the last 17 meetings between these teams in the Metrodome. What’s more, Minnesota has defended its home turf fiercely going back to last season, winning 51 of its last 73 inside the dome.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox have done nothing but struggle when playing at Toronto, Tampa Bay and Minnesota (all indoor facilities with artificial surfaces), going 11-26 in the last 37 on the fake stuff. But those are hardly the most disturbing numbers associated with the Red Sox coming into this contest. The most disturbing numbers are attached to starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. The veteran right-hander is now 0-2 with a 10.32 ERA in three starts this season, including a 5-3 home loss to the Mets on Friday, his first game back after a five-week stint on the disabled list.
And in his one road start – his last one before going on the DL – Dice-K lasted all of one inning at Oakland, giving up five runs on five hits and two walks in a 6-5 loss. In fact, Boston has lost all three of Matsuzaka’s outings. On the other hand, Minnesota starting pitcher Kevin Slowey is 6-1 with a 4.23 ERA this season, including 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA in his last three. What’s more, Slowey is 5-0 at home and the Twins are 13-3 in Slowey’s last 16 home games.
Lastly, while the hot-hitting Twins have won five of their last six, the Red Sox are just 6-6 in their last 12 contests and they’re now three games under .500 on the road (10-13). Indeed, there’s a lot to like about the Twins tonight, including this near pick-em price. Back the home team.
5? MINNNESOTA