Game 150 Preview: Twins at Tigers

Minnesota Twins (62-88) at Detroit Tigers (79-70)

Time/Place: 7:00 p.m., Comerica Park

SB Nation Blog: Twinkie Town

Media: Fox Sports Detroit, MLB.TV (Free Game of the Day), Tigers Radio Network

Pitching Matchup: RHP Samuel Deduno (6-4, 3.84 ERA) vs. RHP Rick Porcello (9-12, 4.57 ERA)

It would be easy for me to look at Deduno's 2-4 record and 4.37 ERA since facing the Tigers and claim that the rest of the league has figured him out... but that wouldn't make for a very interesting preview. It would also be wrong. Other than getting bombarded by the Texas Rangers at The Launchpad In Arlington, Deduno is continuing to do what he has done since joining the Twins' rotation in early July: walk a ton of hitters but somehow strand them all on base. Seriously, a guy that is walking 5.76 hitters per 9 innings should not be putting up the numbers that he is... which is why his FIP is 5.16. Regression is coming for Deduno, the only question is when.

Porcello has been largely ineffective against the Twins this season, allowing a 5.27 ERA in three starts against them. He has only accumulated a combined 13 2/3 innings in those three starts, which partially explains the elevated ERA. He will be looking to last longer than his previous start against Minnesota, in which he only lasted 3 2/3 innings after allowing 3 runs on 12 (!) hits. The Tigers won that game 7-3, the third of five consecutive games in which they gave Porcello a boat load of run support. Now, he can't buy a run when he's on the mound. Go figure.

Outlook

With Chicago headed out west to face the Angels -- after a night game in KC, no less -- the Tigers have a golden opportunity to make up a game or two this weekend. After making up a game with the A's in town -- no small feat, I might add -- anything but a sweep at this point has to be considered a disappointment.

Prediction

The offense solves Deduno this time, giving Porcello win #10 this season.