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 Continued strong pitching from Santana would be a big help down the
stretch as Minnesota trails the Texas Rangers by a game for the
American League's second wild card. Designated hitter Miguel Sano
smacked a game-winning, pinch-hit homer in the 12th inning on
Wednesday as the Twins recorded a 3-2 win over the Kansas City
Royals after going 1-for-15 with 11 strikeouts over the previous
four games. Chicago has won five of its past seven games and first
baseman Jose Abreu is 12-for-28 with three homers, three doubles and
six RBIs during the stretch. The White Sox have scored six or more
runs in each of their last six victories and are averaging 7.3
during the span.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), CSN Chicago-Plus
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ervin Santana (4-4, 4.93 ERA) vs. White
Sox RH Erik Johnson (1-0, 4.50)
Santana went 0-4 with a 9.20 ERA over a six-start span before
orchestrating an impressive turnaround. He has walked two or fewer
batters in each of his last six starts and hasn't allowed a homer in
any of his last three turns. Santana is 5-6 with a 3.92 ERA in 17
career appearances (16 starts) against the White Sox and has
struggled with designated hitter Adam LaRoche (5-for-14).
Johnson is making his second start of this season and 12th of his
major-league career. He defeated Kansas City on Sunday when he
allowed three runs - all on solo homers - and five hits in six
innings. The 25-year-old Johnson beat the Twins in 2013 when he
struck out eight and allowed four hits in six scoreless innings.
[to top of second column] |
WALK-OFFS
1. Twins LF Eddie Rosario is 4-for-29 with one homer and six RBIs
over the last seven games.
2. Chicago CF Adam Eaton is hitless in 11 at-bats over the past
three games.
3. Minnesota LHP Glen Perkins (back) received a second cortisone
shot and remains unavailable.
PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Twins 5
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