Minnesota @ Texas preview
Globe Life Park in Arlington
Last Meeting ( Aug 30, 2013 ) Minnesota 3, Texas 2
The Texas Rangers saw a potential historical night turn into defeat but they can still reach a milestone of sorts when they host the Minnesota Twins on Saturday in the middle contest of a three-game series. One night after ace Yu Darvish lost a no-hitter, shutout and the lead in the space of three batters, Texas will looked to notch its 20th win in August. The Rangers have won seven of 10 but their lead has been whittled to two games over Oakland in the American League West.
Despite snapping a five-game losing streak in the series opener, Minnesota has scored only nine runs in the last six games. First baseman Justin Morneau hit the go-ahead homer Friday, giving him 221 in his career to move into third place on the franchise's all-time list. The former AL MVP, who has swatted nine of his 17 homers in August, has always fared well at Rangers Ballpark, batting .325 with 11 blasts and 31 RBIs in 32 games.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (5-10, 5.06 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Matt Garza (3-2, 4.44)
Pelfrey gave up one run on two hits in his last turn versus Cleveland but he lasted only five innings due to issuing a season-worst five walks. He has permitted more than three runs on three occasions over his last 14 outings but is only 2-5 in that span. Pelfrey had made only one career start against the Rangers, allowing four runs on eight hits over six innings in June 2011.
The Rangers were searching for consistency when they acquired Garza from the Chicago Cubs, but not the type he has provided. Garza took the loss at the Chicago White Sox last time out, giving up five runs (four earned) in seven innings. Garza has yielded at least four runs in five consecutive starts and continues to be hurt by the long ball, surrendering eight over his last six outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre and SS Elvis Andrus had their eight- and six-game hitting streaks halted Friday.
2. Twins C Joe Mauer (concussion) is making progress and is scheduled to hit off a tee on Saturday in Minnesota.
3. Texas has allowed five runs or fewer in 27 straight games, the longest streak since the advent of the DH rule in 1973.
PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Twins 4