Game 137: Twins at Rays

First Pitch: 5:40 PM CDT
TV: Bally Sports North
Radio: TIBN
Know Thine Enemy: DRays Bay

While the vibes are certainly improved after the Twins finished their lengthy homestand with a dramatic, much-needed, late-inning jolt from Royce Lewis, on Sunday afternoon, there’s no question that Rocco Baldelli’s club is at a critical juncture in the season.

Since taking three out of four from the Rangers two weeks ago, the Twins have gone just 4-8, including a four-game losing streak and a three-game sweep at the hands of the Braves. The 12-game stretch included nine home games, during which the Twins went just 3-6. They also jettisoned their lone trade deadline acquisition (Trevor Richards), saw their bullpen and their defense lose games, put Manuel Margot on the injured list, and still haven’t gotten either Byron Buxton or Carlos Correa back.

Still, the upcoming stretch includes plenty of winnable games: four at Tampa Bay, three important road games at Kansas City, and three apiece back at Target Field against the Angels and Reds before a massive, four-game road series at Cleveland from September 16 to 19.

The Twins will send Simeon Woods Richardson to the mound to take on old friend Zack Littell. Woods Richardson struggled a bit last time out, giving up four earned runs in 4 ²⁄₃ innings against Atlanta — but compared to everyone not named Pablo Lopez, it was a permissible start given the recent staff-wide struggles.

Littell has put together a nice season for Tampa, putting up an ERA of 3.89 on the season. He hasn’t given up more than one earned run in a start since July 22 against the Yankees, although he’s only completed six innings once in his last six starts.

Enjoy Labor Day evening baseball!