Miami @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 23, 2013 ) Miami 3, Minnesota 4

The Minnesota Twins should be a well-rested team after playing only four games in the last nine days, which included their fourth postponement Monday. The surprising Twins look to extend their four-game winning streak when they host the struggling Miami Marlins in a day-night doubleheader Tuesday. Minnesota is coming off two straight victories at the Chicago White Sox, edging over the .500 mark at 8-7. Joe Mauer leads the Twins with his .375 batting average and Josh Willingham has six RBIs in his last four games.

The Marlins are off to the worst 19-game start in club history (4-15), after dropping three of four in Cincinnati. Slugger Giancarlo Stanton notched his first RBI of the season Sunday, but struck out eight times and went 4-for-18 in the series. Stanton, who belted 71 homers over the last two seasons, is still looking for his first in 2013.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Florida, Fox Sports North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jose Fernandez (0-1, 3.60 ERA) vs. Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (2-1, 7.30)

The 20-year-old Fernandez suffered his first rough start against Cincinnati on Thursday. The hard-throwing right-hander allowed five runs on six hits over four innings in an 11-1 loss to the Reds in his third career start. Fernandez was solid in his first two outings, giving up one run in 11 innings without getting a decision. The Cuban defector has 17 strikeouts and six walks in 15 innings.

Pelfrey’s numbers aren’t impressive, but he has pitched well enough in two of three starts to earn victories. The right-hander has allowed 20 hits in 12 1/3 innings overall after giving up four runs over five innings against the Los Angeles Angels in a win Tuesday. Pelfrey has struggled against the Marlins, going 1-8 with a 5.20 ERA over 97 innings while with the New York Mets.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami is 140-130 all time in interleague play, the best record among all National League teams.

2. Minnesota’s relief pitchers are 4-1 with a 2.15 ERA - fifth best in the league - and opponents are batting .206 against them.

3. Stanton is 8-for-17 with a pair of home runs in his career against Pelfrey.

PREDICTION: Marlins 5, Twins 2