Twins vs. Guardians Betting Preview: AL Central Showdown Opens Five-Game Series June 27
The Minnesota Twins (41-33) face the Cleveland Guardians (36-32) in a crucial five-game series starting Monday at Progressive Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m.
The Twins enter with momentum after taking two of three from the Rockies, including Sunday's 6-3 win where Byron Buxton went 3-for-3 with three runs scored. Meanwhile, the Guardians were swept by Boston, losing Sunday's finale 8-3 despite Jose Ramirez going 3-for-4.
Betting Lines:
- Twins: -127 (favorites)
- Guardians: +108
- Run line: Cleveland +1.5 (-154)
- Over/Under: 8.5 runs
Pitching Matchup:
- Twins: Sonny Gray (3-1, 2.53 ERA, 1.03 WHIP)
- Guardians: Triston McKenzie (4-5, 3.51 ERA, 1.01 WHIP)
Key Stats:
- McKenzie struggled in his last start against Minnesota, allowing 6 runs in 4.1 innings
- Carlos Correa and Gio Urshela are combined 6-for-12 with 4 HR against McKenzie
- Jose Ramirez is batting just .207 against Gray in 29 at-bats
- Guardians are 16-13 at home this season
This series could significantly impact the AL Central standings, with Minnesota currently holding a two-game lead. The Guardians took 2 of 3 in their previous series at Target Field last week and will look to replicate that success at home despite their recent struggles against Boston.
Key to victory for Cleveland will be McKenzie bouncing back from his rough last outing against the Twins, while Minnesota aims to extend their division lead in this pivotal five-game set.