Twins vs Rangers | Predictions

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Minnesota Twins vs. Texas Rangers
8:05 PM Wednesday August 25 – ESPN
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Pitching Probables: Brian Duensing vs CJ Wilson

Minnesota has really turned it on in the second half and now sits one victory ahead of the Rangers despite losing the first two games of this series.  Their offense has sputtered in this series so far averaging only 1.5 runs per games versus 5 plus when they swept the Rangers at Target Field in May.  Starting tonight for the Twins is Brian Duensing who has been fantastic since joining the rotation last month.  He has pitched six quality starts in a row and given up only one run in his last 17 innings.  He doesn’t over power but he is definitely getting the job done.  Also, with Minnesota’s potent offense he doesn’t have to nibble – the Twins lead the majors in average and are sixth in runs.  They may have been struggling earlier but this team is shaping up like the Twins we are accustomed to.  Eventually they will get back Justin Mourneau too.

It seems like Texas has been on cruise control for a while now but they have looked pretty sharp in beating the Twins the last two games.  Rich Harden was pitching a no hitter when he left the ball game due to a pitch count and the Twins couldn’t muster a hit until the ninth on Monday night.  After a couple of seasons in the bullpen C.J. Wilson has proved that he can be a reliable starter.  He walks a few too many but keeps the Rangers in it having only allowed four or more runs in only  1 of his last 10 starts.  He was not sharp in a road loss to the Twins in May giving up five runs at Target Field.  Like his opposite he can depend on a very steady offense led by Josh Hamilton and Vlad Guerrero.  This year there is no better one two punch in the league.

Prediction:  Texas completes the sweep tonight in a potential League Championship Series preview.

Texas is -149 and the O/U is 8.5.

Score Prediction:

Texas Rangers – 6
Minnesota Twins – 4

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