Baltimore @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( May 10, 2013 ) Baltimore 9, Minnesota 6

The Baltimore Orioles showed again why they are never out of a game, rallying from six runs down to win Friday. The Orioles look to make it easier on themselves in the second of a three-game series at the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. Baltimore collected 18 hits, including seven doubles, to outlast the Twins 9-6 in 10 innings and win for the fifth time in six games. Chris Davis continues to lead the deep Orioles’ offense with 10 homers and 33 RBIs after belting three doubles Friday.

Baltimore is among the league leaders in many offensive categories, tying for second in runs scored with 179. Adam Jones and Manny Machado are third and fourth in the majors in hits. Minnesota had won three straight before coughing up the lead. Former Twins American League MVP Joe Mauer owns a nine-game hitting streak, raising his batting average from .289 to .320.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), Fox Sports North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Steve Johnson (NR) vs. Twins RH Vance Worley (0-4, 6.95)

Johnson takes the vacant spot in the rotation after Miguel Gonzalez was placed on the disabled list Thursday with a blister on his right thumb. The right-hander was outstanding in 12 appearances (four starts) as a rookie last year, going 4-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 38 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old, who has not faced Minnesota, struck out 46 and walked 18 in 2012.

Worley has pitched better than some of his numbers indicate. The right-hander has allowed three runs or less in four of seven outings and his team has scored 10 times in those games. Worley gave up three runs in five innings his last start at Boston. The 25-year old surrendered 10 hits and five runs (four earned) over five innings against Baltimore on April 6 and did not get a decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles RF Nick Markakis is 23-for-43 in the last two seasons and is batting .307 in his career against Minnesota.

2. Minnesota rookie OF/DH Oswaldo Arcia had two hits Friday to extend his hitting streak to eight games.

3. Baltimore improved to 9-4 at Target Field with a win in the series opener.

PREDICTION: Orioles 5, Twins 4