The D-backs travel to the Twin Cities for the first time since late September 2014, as they begin a three-game Interleague set against the Twins at Target Field on Friday night.
Back then, both the Twins and D-backs were playing out the string on disappointing seasons. This time around, though, they are both in the thick of their respective Wild Card races, making these games crucial.
Zack Godley, who has been one of Arizona's most consistent starters since taking over for the injured Shelby Miller earlier this season, will face off against Minnesota ace Ervin Santana in Friday's opener.
Three things to know about this game
? Against the Cubs in his last start, Godley picked up 13 of his 18 swinging strikes with his curveball, which is tied for the seventh-highest single-game mark by any pitcher this season. Overall in 2017, Godley ranks third for most swinging strikes via the curve (137).
? Over his last three starts, Santana is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA, and the Twins have won all three of those games.
? Santana has had tremendous success against the D-backs' top two sluggers. Paul Goldschmidt is 0-for-8 in his career against him, while J.D. Martinez is just 2-for-16.
Back then, both the Twins and D-backs were playing out the string on disappointing seasons. This time around, though, they are both in the thick of their respective Wild Card races, making these games crucial.
Zack Godley, who has been one of Arizona's most consistent starters since taking over for the injured Shelby Miller earlier this season, will face off against Minnesota ace Ervin Santana in Friday's opener.
Three things to know about this game
? Against the Cubs in his last start, Godley picked up 13 of his 18 swinging strikes with his curveball, which is tied for the seventh-highest single-game mark by any pitcher this season. Overall in 2017, Godley ranks third for most swinging strikes via the curve (137).
? Over his last three starts, Santana is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA, and the Twins have won all three of those games.
? Santana has had tremendous success against the D-backs' top two sluggers. Paul Goldschmidt is 0-for-8 in his career against him, while J.D. Martinez is just 2-for-16.
