here it is.....GAME FIVE
here it is.....GAME FIVE
ANGELS -165
We've all been waiting for Minnesota to win one in Anaheim to send the series back to the Dome. So far it hasn't happened yet, to the chagrin of many Twinkies backers. Sure, today is THE spot for the Twins to take one, but believe me, the Halos DO NOT want to go back to Minneapolis.
While Mays had a career outing in the 1st game, I don't expect him to duplicate his success today. Angels hitters were too patient at the plate, taking 1st and 2nd pitch strikes and getting into the hole, and that resulted in only 4 hits. Expect them to come out more aggressive today. If Mays wants to throw 70% strikes today like he did in Game 1, then Mickey Hatcher will instruct his hitters to swing at those hittable pitches.
In 9 reg. season road starts, May is 2-6 with a 6.25 ERA and .326 OBA. In day games he is a horrible 0-3 with a 7.90 ERA, giving up 46 hits in 27.1 IP for a .374 OBA. And while he is very stingy when the bases are empty, it appears that he get rattled when there are runners on (.314 OBA and 10.25 ERA). With RISP, he has a .368 OBA and 17.59 ERA!
Appier is a veteran presence in the rotation. I expect him to come up big today. He will paint the corners and work around the hitters. In Game 1, he got outdueled by Mays, giving up 5 hits and 3 BB's in 5 innings. In this elimination game I don't expect the Twins hitters to take a lot of pitches. If so, Appier can continue to move the ball around the plate (in Game 1 he threw only 53% strikes). If they get on base, he'll wisely slow the game down. With men on, he has a .285 OBA and 7.91 ERA.
So while I won't say "take it to the bank" with the Halos, I really like their chances to close out the series today.
GLTA.
