2010 ALDS Game 3 Preview – Minnesota vs New York
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Minnesota Twins (94-68) vs. New York Yankees (95-67)
Saturday October 9, 2010 at 8:30 PM ET on TBS
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Starting Pitchers
Min: Brian Duensing 10-3, 2.62
NY: Phil Hughes 18-8, 4.19
The Minnesota twins sit on the verge of elimination after losing to New York in game two by a score of 5-2. Perennial slugger Lance Berkman provided the crushing blow on a double after a called third strike, leading to Twins manager Ron Gardenhire being given the boot after his opinion to the home plate umpire.
Brain Duensing takes the mound for Minnesota. The starter was a late season addition to the staff after serving his role in the bullpen. He answered the call remarkably well down the stretch with 10 wins at a time when Minnesota needed it the most. For the season, he struck out 78 in 130 innings of work. He has never started against New York.
The Minnesota offense has been missing, with no power to show and very little of anything else. It’s hitting .219 in the post season with light hitting second baseman Orlando Hudson being the only power spot, after his homerun in the second game. Joe Mauer hit only nine homeruns during the regular season and has yet to become the Mr. Postseason his salary calls for. In 9 ABs, he has two hits and has struck out three times for a .222 average.
Now they will face Yankees future ace Phil Hughes who will take the mound after winning 18 games during the regular season, much of those wins were by virtue of his supporting cast as he rarely looked dominant and pitched to a 4.19 ERA. If he only gives up four runs in Game 3, he is virtually assured another win and his first postseason victory ever.
Meanwhile, the Yankees are putting on their usual heroics yet again, led by Berkman and his double.
The umpires seem to always favor the Yankees, afraid to call against them in the postseason and destroying the confidence of opposing lineups, who know they must be perfect to get a call. Joe Girardi has little to fear, since all borderline calls will go in favor of the Bronx Bombers. Team captain Derek Jeter, Mr. October as he is known, is hitting .200 with his usual single slap approach.
The odds makers have the Yankees as a -1.5 point favorite with an over/under run total of 9.
Matt’s Prediction—The Yankees are no doubt playing good ball while Minny fades away. Rest Assured Yankee fans; they will sweep and move on.
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