Last-place Twins standing up to Red Sox
Rick Porcello boasts an undefeated record at Fenway Park this season. That’s a very good thing, because Boston finds itself in a surprisingly tricky spot.
The veteran righty will try to improve to 10-0 in Beantown beginning at 1:35 p.m. ET, as the Red Sox and Twins conclude an extended set. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI like the hosts to earn a split. Minnesota, on the other hand, represents a +160 underdog. The over/under run figure sits at 10.
Paul Molitor’s troops captured their second straight over Boston last night, 11-9, smacking 19 hits in the process. Eleven of those base knocks came off former Cy Young Award winner David Price. The setback dropped John Farrell’s gang 1 ½ games behind Baltimore for first place in the American League East.
Can Porcello ride to the rescue in a few hours? He totes a 2.98 ERA and 52 strikeouts across 63 1/3 innings at Fenway. Just a few days ago, the New Jersey native electrified the historic venue by holding the NL West-leading Giants scoreless on four hits and two walks with three punchouts in 6 1/3 frames.
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If David Ortiz keeps flashing that patented thump, too, Porcello’s chances would only be enhanced. Boston’s celebrated DH is 10-for-30 with nine RBIs since the All-Star break. He’s fully capable of devouring the Twins’ Tommy Milone, who lets lefties rake at a .286 clip. Ride with the Red Sox to inflict some-across-the-board damage and head into tomorrow’s opener vs. Detroit on a high note.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: TWINS/RED SOX UNDER 10 RUNS