Baseball Preview: Angels at Twins

MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Los Angeles Angels visit the Minnesota Twins on Friday night at Target Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. under cloudy skies and 78 degrees.

The Angels (37-56) enter the game riding a 13-1 rout of Texas on Wednesday, snapping a six-game losing streak. Minnesota (46-48) dropped a 5-2 decision to Cleveland on Thursday but has won seven of its last 10.

Players to Watch

Angels right fielder Jo Adell has been streaky but electric of late. After a 2-for-4 game with two home runs and five RBIs against the Rangers on Wednesday, Adell has recorded hits in three of his last four contests, including a 3-for-4, two-RBI performance July 5 against Boston. Over his last 10 games, he is batting .280 with two homers and nine RBIs.

Twins right-hander Bailey Ober takes the ball after a solid outing Thursday against Cleveland, allowing one earned run on three hits over five innings with five strikeouts. Ober has been consistent this season, posting a 3.45 ERA over his last five starts.

Recent Results

The Angels’ offensive outburst Wednesday was fueled by Adell, first baseman Vaughn Grissom (4-for-5, four RBIs) and pitcher Walbert Ureña (four innings, one hit, three strikeouts). Los Angeles had lost 10 of its previous 11 before that win.

Minnesota’s loss Thursday saw Ober’s strong start go unrewarded. First baseman Royce Lewis went 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI. The Twins took two of three from Cleveland and swept a three-game series at the New York Yankees the previous weekend.

Projection

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-3 Twins victory, and their ELO system gives Minnesota a 58.30% probability to win.

Looking Ahead

The Angels continue their road trip with games at Minnesota on Saturday and Sunday before returning home to host Detroit next Friday. The Twins play the Angels again Saturday and Sunday, then travel to the Chicago Cubs for a three-game series beginning July 17.