The spotlight is on the AL Central this Saturday night as the Minnesota Twins (76-64, 2nd AL Central) face off against the Kansas City Royals (76-65, 3rd AL Central). This matchup marks the final series between these two teams this season, with their three-game set kicking off on Friday (Note: This article was published before Friday’s results). The Twins have enjoyed a successful season series against the Royals, currently leading 7-3. Minnesota will send Bailey Ober (3.95 ERA) to the mound, while Kansas City counters with Alec Marsh (4.70 ERA). Fans can tune in for the first pitch at 7:15 EST from Kauffman Stadium, which will be broadcast regionally on FOX.
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Twins’ Drive for October Glory
The Minnesota Twins are igniting their playoff aspirations, currently sitting in 2nd place in the AL Central. With three Wild Card slots available, the Twins are vying for a position in the postseason. They are in contention for the second Wild Card spot, while the Royals are just a step behind, holding onto the last playoff position. Recently, the Twins concluded a series where they managed to split two of four games, claiming victory in their last outing before heading to Kansas City.
In their last encounter against the Rays, Minnesota’s Edouard Julien hit a three-run homer, showcasing his potential as a 25-year-old second baseman. With eight home runs and 21 RBIs this season, Julien adds crucial firepower to the lineup. Carlos Santana, the first baseman, is tied with Julien for home runs and leads the team with 60 RBIs, while Trevor Larnach, the leadoff hitter, contributes with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs. Willi Castro stands out as the team’s most adaptable player, excelling in various positions and leading with 13 stolen bases while batting .248 this season.
Bailey Ober is set to make his 27th start of the season. The 29-year-old right-hander boasts a 12-6 record, with the team going 3-2 in his last five outings. With an ERA of 3.95, Ober has struck out 155 batters and issued 39 walks, allowing 22 home runs this year. In his previous start, he delivered an impressive six-inning performance, yielding just one run in a victory over the Blue Jays.
Royals’ Fight for Survival
The Kansas City Royals are clinging to the final Wild Card spot but maintain a solid lead over the teams trailing them. The nearest competitor, the Detroit Tigers, sits five games behind Kansas City, giving the Royals a favorable chance of securing a higher postseason seed. After a difficult series against the Guardians, where they lost two out of three, the Royals managed to avoid a sweep in their last game, thanks to a three-run homer from Tommy Pham.
Before their recent victory, the Royals were in dire straits, having lost seven consecutive games. Following the win against Cleveland, manager Matt Quatraro expressed his relief, stating, “Really happy for those guys. Nobody wants to lose, and when you string a whole week of games together where you don’t win any of them, it wears on you, mentally, physically. It makes it tougher to believe in yourself, so however it had to happen … it’s good to get a win.” Bobby Witt Jr., one of the league’s brightest young stars, continues to shine for Kansas City, holding the best batting average in Major League Baseball at .339 with 30 home runs. First baseman Salvador Perez provides additional strength with 25 home runs, forming a formidable duo in the Royals’ lineup.
Alec Marsh will make his 22nd start of the season, showcasing his 26-year-old right-handed arm with a 7-8 record. The Royals have gone 3-2 in his last five outings. Marsh’s ERA stands at 4.70, accompanied by 100 strikeouts and 34 walks, with 17 home runs surrendered this season. In his last performance, he pitched five innings, allowing three hits in a loss to the Astros.
Top Wagers for Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals
The Minnesota Twins have demonstrated greater resilience than the Kansas City Royals in the latter part of the season. While both teams are in contention for Wild Card spots, the Twins have gained momentum after overcoming a third-place standing in the AL Central earlier in the year. With Ober on the mound, who possesses more experience and a superior ERA compared to Marsh, Minnesota appears poised for success. The Twins have also excelled on the road, holding a winning record of 37-34, contributing to their rise in the standings. Conversely, Marsh has struggled, giving up at least two runs in his last four starts, and his ERA against Minnesota this season is a concerning 6.43 after allowing five earned runs in just seven innings pitched against them. Riding a wave of momentum, the Twins are well-positioned to secure another victory.
