Boston @ Minnesota preview
Target Field
Last Meeting ( Apr 12, 2010 ) Boston 2, Minnesota 5
Monday was a memorable day for the Twins and their fans.
Not only was Target Field - their gorgeous new outdoor ballpark - opened, but the Twins made the day even more unforgettable with a 5-2 win over the Boston Red Sox.
The festivities are behind everyone so Wednesday's game should be more about playing the game, which is just fine with the Twins, who are one of baseball's hottest teams.
Kevin Slowey, who held the Los Angeles Angels to one run in 5 1/3 innings in his first start of the season, will look for more success against the Red Sox.
The best news for the Twins has been that Slowey hasn't shown any effects from the surgery on his right wrist that ended his season in 2009. The right-hander went 10-3 last season and the Twins will be counting on him if they want to stay in the AL Central race.
Jason Kubel had three hits, including the first home run at Target Field, in the home opener. Joe Mauer, who is batting .423 through eight games, also had three hits and drove in two runs. To the surprise of no one, Mauer received the biggest ovation from the home crowd Monday.
Jon Rauch has been another big story for the Twins early in the season. The right-hander, who has taken over the closer's role for the injured Joe Nathan, has converted all five of his save chances.
The Red Sox are expecting big things from right-hander John Lackey, one of the top free-agent pickups in the off-season. He didn't get a decision in his first start, but pitched six shutout innings and allowed only three hits against the Yankees.
Designated hitter David Ortiz continues to struggle for Boston. He had a hit and drove in a run Monday, but is batting .136 and has struck out 11 times in 22 at-bats.
Boston left fielder Jacoby Ellsbury missed Monday's game but could be back in the lineup. Ellsbury suffered bruised ribs after being kneed by third baseman Adrian Beltre while the two were chasing a foul ball Sunday in Kansas City.
The Twins have won five of six. Boston is under .500 after losing two of three to the Yankees at home in their opening series. The Red Sox took two of three in Kansas City before losing Monday.