In this article, we will formulate a Twins vs Orioles prediction for this MLB game on Thursday, May 8, at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Baltimore Orioles Betting Preview
The Baltimore Orioles (13-22, 5-13 Away) are going through their weakest stretch of the season, during which they suffered four consecutive defeats. After beating the Yankees, the Orioles lost to the Royals and also fell to the Minnesota Twins in the opening two games of the current series. In a 5-2 defeat last night, Charlie Morton took the loss after allowing three runs on four hits with two strikeouts and one walk in 4.0 innings.
This season, the Orioles average 3.77 runs per game (22nd in the MLB) on a .226/.294/.384 slash line. Regarding pitching, the Orioles’ staff has a 5.50 ERA (29th) and 1.53 WHIP (28th). Cedric Mullins leads the Orioles with a .237 batting average, seven home runs, and 21 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Orioles is Dean Kremer, who is 3-4 in seven starts this season, with a 5.73 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 37.2 innings.
Minnesota Twins Betting Preview
The Minnesota Twins (17-20, 11-6 Home), on the other hand, are playing well and are looking for their fifth straight win, which would be the first time this season. The Twins responded to a four-game losing run with four wins in a row, winning the series against the Red Sox and the first two games of this series against Baltimore. Byron Buxton led the offense in last night’s 5-2 victory, while Simeon Woods Richardson pitched for 4.2 innings in a no-decision, allowing two runs on five hits with one strikeout and one walk. Danny Coulombe was credited with the win.
This year, the Twins average 3.97 runs per game (20th in the MLB) on a .238/.307/.374 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Twins’ staff has a 3.48 ERA (8th) and 1.20 WHIP (8th). Byron Buxton leads the Twins with a .274 batting average, nine home runs, and 25 RBI this season.
Bailey Ober will take the mound for the Twins on Thursday. The 29-year-old right-hander has a 4-1 record in seven starts this year with a 3.72 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 38.2 innings.
Why the Twins will beat the Orioles
- The Orioles have lost each of their last 10 games at Target Field against teams that held a losing record.
- The Twins have won nine of their last 10 home games.
- The Twins have covered the run line in each of their last seven games following a win.
- The Orioles have failed to cover the run line in each of their last five games after playing the previous day.
- The Twins have led after 3 innings in eight of their last nine games as home favorites against American League opponents.
- The Twins have led after 5 innings in each of their last five home games against American League opponents.
Total Runs Facts
- Eight of the Twins’ last nine day games as favorites have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Nine of the Orioles’ last 12 road games have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Orioles’ last six road games.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in 16 of the Twins’ last 19 day games.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Twins rank 25th in the league for steals this season (20).
- The Twins rank 25th in the league for walks this season (104).
- The Orioles rank 29th in the league for ERA this season (5.50).
- The Orioles rank 29th in the league for strikeouts this season (247).
Twins vs Orioles Prediction
The Orioles won eight of the previous ten H2H encounters, but the Twins were better in the last two. I am going with the Twins to win here and sweep Baltimore because I like their starter better and their pitching in general. Ober allowed more than one run just once in his last six starts, while Kremer surrendered 5+ runs in three of his previous five starts. Also, Kremer allowed a .259 BA in 27 at-bats against the Twins, while Ober allowed a .167 BA in 42 at-bats against the Orioles. Baltimore’s bullpen is disastrous, so I am backing Minnesota to win.