Twins vs. Pirates Pick
Will the Pittsburgh Pirates continue their improbable unbeaten start to the season today when they host the Minnesota Twins at 6:05PM ET?
GAME SNAPSHOT
(923) Minnesota Twins at (924) Pittsburgh Pirates
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Location: PNC Park – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Weather: Cloudy/Windy, 37 degrees, 21mph Winds
Time: 6:05PM ET
CURRENT ODDS
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, this game is considered even, as both teams are listed with odds of -110 to win on Wednesday. The over/under total is currently listed at 8.5 runs.
PITCHING MATCHUP
The pitching matchup for tonight’s game has Jake Odorizzi toeing the rubber for the Twins to face Ivan Nova of the Pirates. Odorizzi took a no-decision in his first start of 2018, a loss at Baltimore. He allowed no runs and two hits over six innings while striking out seven. Nova also took a no-decision as he pitched five innings and allowed two runs against the Tigers last week. He had four strikeouts with three walks and six hits allowed.
Bet on MLB for Wednesday, April 4, 2018
PUBLIC BETTING INFORMATION
The public betting for this game is behind the Twins. Minnesota is getting 64 percent of the wagers on the road against the Pirates.
KEY INJURIES
Minnesota catcher Mitch Garver is listed on the injury report for today’s contest. He is questionable to play today due to a concussion. Pittsburgh shortstop Jordy Mercer left Monday’s game with a jammed pinky finger and is questionable to play today.
BETTING STRATEGIES
The Pirates improved to 4-0 on the season with a 5-4 win over the Twins on Monday. Pittsburgh put up 5 runs in the first inning while the Twins scored all four of their runs in the sixth inning. Lance Lynn gave up all give runs for Minnesota as he lasted just four innings in his start and walked six. Jameson Taillon got the win for the Pirates, allowing two runs over 5.1 innings and striking out nine.
Colin Moran blew the game open in the first inning with a grand slam to put the Pirates up 5-0. Brian Dozier had a solo home run for the Twins in the sixth while Eduardo Escobar had a pair of hits and drove in a run.
Pittsburgh has actually won six straight dating back to last season and they have won in 2018 so far with hitting in some instances and pitching in others. Odorizzi had a good start for the Twins, but they still lost and I could see a similar situation today. I don’t trust the Minnesota hitters to produce. Nova wasn’t too bad in his first start and the Pirates have the momentum right now.
MLB PREDICTIONS: PITTSBURGH PIRATES -110