The Minnesota Twins moved ever closer to clinching a spot in the playoffs with a dramatic 8-6 win over the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday. Brian Dozier’s three-run blast in the eighth inning pushed the Twins to the brink as they lowered their magic number for clinching a postseason berth to one. It has been a remarkable turnaround for the Twins who can become the first team ever to go to the playoffs after losing 100 games the previous year.
The Twins will look to end their seven-year playoff drought once and for all when they lock horns with the Indians in the second game of their three-game set tonight. Pitching for Minnesota in this all-important clash is Adalberto Mejia (4-6, 4.48 ERA). The Twins thought about skipping the lefty in the rotation, but opted to stick with the rookie for his final start of the year. He has been solid in his last two starts, posting a 4.70 ERA since coming off the disabled list. Mejia can expect some support from a Twins offense who have scored a whopping 47 runs during their five-game winning streak.
Starting for Cleveland in this pivotal clash is Danny Salazar (5-6, 4.48 ERA). The 27-year-old yielded one run on two hits and two walks with four strikeouts against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday in his first start since September 5. Salazar has gone 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA and 17 strikeouts in two starts (13 innings) against Minnesota this season. He will look to deliver a quality start tonight to cement his spot in the Indians’ postseason roster.
Salazar can’t do it all alone, though, and he needs the Cleveland hitters to contribute on the offensive end as well. Expected to lead the Indians in that department is Edwin Encarnacion. He’s having a career season, leading the Tribe not only in homers but also in RBIs and on-base percentage. Encarnacion hit his 38th homer and drove in four runs for Cleveland on Tuesday. He’s hitless, though, in three career at-bats against Adalberto Mejia. One guy who has had some success against the Minnesota starter is Lonnie Chisenhall. He is 2-of-4 in his career against the Dominican hurler with a homer and one RBI.
