Game three of four between AL playoff hopefuls is set for Wednesday night. The Boston Red Sox (38-35) are still in Minneapolis, looking to take down the Minnesota Twins (36-37) yet again. Boston took three of the first four meetings against the Twins this season, including Monday's series opener. Another opportunity is knocking for the Red Sox, although Minnesota needs wins just as badly. Target Field will welcome both teams at 7:40 p.m. EDT, as they battle for a victory.
TRISTON TO THE MOON. pic.twitter.com/sIB9iyEj4L
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 20, 2023
Monday's series-opening win was Boston's fifth in a row. Things were looking bleak just a week ago, but now the Red Sox are squarely in the mix for an AL Wild Card spot. Scoring has seldom been an issue for this club, but strong pitching performances have spurred these recent wins. Garrett Whitlock is ready to keep the ball rolling. Whitlock's last four starts, all since returning to the rotation, have led to Red Sox wins. He's allowed nine runs (eight earned) since returning from the IL, and four of those runs came in one start. In the 23.0 innings he's pitched since coming back, Whitlock has only walked four batters. Boston has to like their chances with him on the mound.
With an offense that's sixth in runs per game this season, the pitching staff just needs to keep games manageable. They score by putting the ball in play and finding gaps. The Red Sox are sixth in strikeout percentage and fi rst in doubles. It helps at home because they can pepper the Green Monster, but it plays well on the road too. Boston is top 10 in average, OBP, and slugging. In the heart of the order is Rafael Devers, who is second in RBIs this season.