Minnesota (81-73) at Boston (76-78)
- When: Sep 21 2024, 4:10 PM
- Where: Fenway Park, Boston
- Where to watch: BSN
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Minnesota Twins @ Boston Red Sox
Moneyline
Minnesota Twins -144
Boston Red Sox +121
Minnesota Twins @ Boston Red Sox
Runline
Minnesota Twins -1.5 (+120)
Boston Red Sox 1.5 (-140)
Minnesota Twins @ Boston Red Sox
Total
Over 8.0 (-105)
Under 8.0 (-115)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
Minnesota: Pablo López (15-8, 3.84)
Boston: Kutter Crawford (8-15, 4.19)
Team Stats
| Twins | Red Sox | |
| 81-73 | Record | 76-77 |
| 39-40 | Away & Home | 41-37 |
| 5-5 | Last 10 | 3-7 |
| W1 | Streak | L2 |
Game Preview
Following their opening win in the American League wild-card race, the Minnesota Twins aim for another victory against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday.
Minnesota (81-73) secured a 4-2 win on Friday, highlighted by a three-run 12th inning, and now turns to ace right-hander Pablo Lopez in hopes of clinching the series.
After being limited to just three hits in a 3-2, 10-inning loss to Cleveland, the Twins erupted for 13 hits against the Red Sox. The top five hitters in Minnesota’s lineup each contributed with two hits, giving the team a one-game lead over the Detroit Tigers for the last AL playoff spot.
"This is a crucial stretch with eight games left, so this win was significant," said Twins shortstop Carlos Correa. "The teamwork displayed was really special. The message is clear: Never give up."
Trevor Larnach and Matt Wallner each recorded RBI singles in the 12th, while the bullpen, featuring eight pitchers after starter David Festa, limited Boston to five hits and one unearned run over seven innings.
The Twins are confident in Lopez, who boasts a 5-0 record with a 1.35 ERA across his last seven starts since losing to the Chicago Cubs on August 6.
Lopez (15-8, 3.84 ERA) had a four-game winning streak snapped in his last outing against Cleveland, where he pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits and striking out four in a 4-3 loss.
"He pitched well until the seventh inning," noted Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. "A leadoff walk isn’t typical for him."
In two career starts against the Red Sox, Lopez is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA, including a win on May 4, where he struck out eight in six innings, allowing just one run.
On the other hand, Boston (76-78) is struggling, falling below .500 for the first time since May 18.
The Red Sox have scored three or fewer runs in their last five games, although shortstop Trevor Story is hitting well, going 9-for-24 (.375).
"The chase for hits isn’t effective," said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. "We need to control the strike zone and look for pitches in specific areas, but that hasn’t happened."
Boston’s struggles included tying a franchise record with 20 strikeouts while going 1-for-19 with runners in scoring position. Additionally, star third baseman Rafael Devers left the game early due to ongoing right shoulder pain and is scheduled for an MRI on Saturday.
"This could very well be it for him this season," Cora indicated.
The Red Sox aim to break a month-long losing streak with right-hander Kutter Crawford (8-15, 4.19 ERA) on the mound.
Crawford is winless in his last six starts, posting a 0-6 record with a 4.28 ERA, though he managed to pitch at least six innings in three consecutive outings before losing to the Yankees on Sunday. In that game, he surrendered four runs on six hits and two walks, along with seven strikeouts.
"I failed to make key pitches," Crawford admitted. "You can’t leave a 92-mile-per-hour fastball right down the middle for Judge. I need to do better."
Home runs have plagued Crawford, who has allowed five in his last three starts and leads the majors with 33 home runs allowed this season.
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Minnesota 5-2
The Pick: Minnesota -144 & Under 8 (-110)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $323
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
