Minnesota Twins vs Cleveland Indians Doubleheader MLB Picks, Odds, Predictions 9/14/2021

The Cleveland Indians and the Minnesota Twins meet Tuesday in MLB doubleheader action from Target Field. The Indians are coming off a weekend series versus the Brewers. Cleveland lost all three of those games in a sweep. As for the Twins, they just finished a one-off game against the Yankees. In that one, Minnesota blew a big lead and lost in 10 innings. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place. 

Cleveland had zero luck with the Brewers over the weekend, falling 10-3 Friday, 3-0 Saturday and 11-1 in the Sunday finale. In that one, Indians starter Aaron Civale had a bad outing with seven earned on seven this and two walks in just 3.0 innings. 

For the starter job in the Tuesday game one, the Indians will go with Triston McKenzie. This year McKenzie is 4-6 with a 4.44 ERA and 120 Ks. As for game two it’ll be Logan Allen. So far Allen carries a 1-6 record with a 6.86 ERA and 27 strikeouts. 

Over on the Twins’ side, they managed a 9-2 win over the Royals in the Saturday game but otherwise lost the series with defeats 6-4 Friday and 5-3 in the Sunday finale. In the Monday game against the Yankees, the Twins had a 5-0 lead for much of the game but ultimately fell 6-5 in a rough outcome. 

For game one, the Twins will send out Joe Ryan. This year Ryan is 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA and nine Ks. As for game two, Minnesota will go with Charlie Barnes. Along with his 0-3 record Barnes has a 6.59 ERA with 13 strikeouts this year. 

The Indians are 2-7 in their last nine Tuesday games and 2-7 in their last nine after an off day. Cleveland is 1-5 in their last six in game one of a series and 1-6 in their last seven overall. 

Meanwhile, the Twins are 4-1 in their last five versus a right-handed starter and 9-4 in their last 13 versus the AL Central. Minnesota is 6-21 in their last 27 Tuesday games and 1-4 in their last five in opening games of doubleheaders. 

PICKS: for game one I’m going to take Cleveland. McKenzie has been on a nice run over his last three games, giving up just three earned on seven hits and three walks in 19.0 innings of work. I like another good outing (and maybe even all seven innings) from him here. 

As for game two, I’m leaning toward the Indians again but Allen is going to need a bounce-back start. He gave up five earned on eight hits, one walk and two homers in his last start. Allen has also given up five earned in two of his last four outings. If he’s not on point here though, Cleveland could be in trouble on the scoreboard.