DODGERS AT TWINS PREVIEW

MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins conclude a three-game series Wednesday night at Target Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. CT under a forecast of 64 degrees and rain.

The Dodgers (50-29) have won the first two games of the series by identical 2-1 scores. Los Angeles sends two-way star Shohei Ohtani (7-2) to the mound. Ohtani, who also serves as the Dodgers’ designated hitter when not pitching, has been dominant this season, striking out 112 batters over 89 innings with a 2.53 ERA.

The Twins (38-42) counter with right-hander Connor Prielipp (2-5, 4.91 ERA). Prielipp has struggled with consistency, allowing four or more earned runs in three of his last five starts.

Los Angeles has been rolling, winning eight of its last 10 games. A key contributor has been left-hander Eric Lauer, who worked six scoreless, hitless innings in Monday’s series opener. Lauer has won his last four decisions, posting a 1.61 ERA over that stretch.

Minnesota has dropped four of its last six. Right-hander Zebby Matthews takes the loss Monday despite a solid outing: 6 innings, 6 hits, 2 earned runs, 5 strikeouts. Matthews has been erratic this month, allowing 14 earned runs over his last three starts combined.

The Dodgers swept a three-game series against Tampa Bay last week before dropping two of three to Baltimore over the weekend. Minnesota took two of three from Arizona and three of four from Texas prior to this series.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 7-5 Twins victory, though Los Angeles has owned the head-to-head matchup lately.

Ohtani, batting .312 with 22 home runs and 58 RBI, could be a factor at the plate as well. He homered and drove in the only run in Monday’s 1-0 win.

For the Twins, shortstop Carlos Correa has hit .327 over his last 10 games with three home runs.

The rain forecast could affect pitching strategies for both managers. If the game is played, Ohtani’s ability to handle wet conditions will be tested.

The series finale has playoff implications for both clubs. The Dodgers aim to extend their lead in the National League West, while the Twins try to climb back to .500 in the American League Central.

NOTES: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani will not bat if he pitches Wednesday. … Twins manager Rocco Baldelli confirmed Prielipp will be on a 90-pitch limit. … The Dodgers have won 10 of their last 13 road games.