Friday we return to the diamonds with our NL Game of the Week. Now 15-6 with GOW releases. This contest features going against a starter with much worse numbers than the traditional stats would show. We take full advantage.
926 Minnesota at Kansas City
An AL Central battle between the Twins and Royals kick off on Friday night when Ricky Nolasco takes on Jason Vargas. Nolasco and Vargas each had success the last time out when they faced these same teams and we expect that to continue. Nolasco was terrific over eight innings allowing just one run on five hits. Like his last start, Nolasco will have an extra day off prior to this start and that seemed to help his control in his last outing. Vargas allowed two runs over seven innings against the Twins.
These two pitchers should enjoy pitching in Kansas City on Friday night with temperatures in the low 60s that will keep the flight of the ball true and not enhance the carry like the warm summer months tend to do. The Royals have one of the league's best defenses and they'll get plenty of work behind Vargas. The Twins have been surprisingly good offensively this season, but a lot of that has been due to walks and Vargas is a guy who isn't afraid to let his defense work behind him.
Both of these guys are efficient with their pitch counts which should keep the bullpens out of the equation until the sixth or seventh and teams can start to use their best relievers at that point. The Royals have a lot of guys struggling offensively and Vargas has used his great defense to his advantage. That will limit baserunners and keep these teams from lighting up the scoreboard.
PLAY: MIN/KC UNDER