Detroit @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 14, 2013 ) Detroit 4, Minnesota 0

Anibal Sanchez came within two outs of a no-hitter against Minnesota on May 24 and seeks another standout performance on Saturday when the Detroit Tigers visit the host Twins in the second contest of a three-game set. Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer singled with one out in the ninth to prevent Sanchez from tossing the second no-hitter of his career. Detroit won Friday’s opener 4-0 as Minnesota scored four runs or fewer for the 10th straight game.

The Twins had just three hits for the second consecutive contest and have scored only 24 runs over their past 10 games. Detroit manager Jim Leyland strongly asserted that struggling Jose Valverde remains the club’s best option at closing games before the series opener and Valverde got the last three outs in a non-save situation in Friday’s victory. Prince Fielder, Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta hit consecutive doubles in a four-run sixth inning with Fielder’s drive plating the first two runs.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Anibal Sanchez (6-5, 2.65 ERA) vs. Twins RH Samuel Deduno (2-1, 3.47)

Sanchez missed last Sunday’s start against the Cleveland Indians due to shoulder issues. His one-hitter last month marked the first time he has defeated the Twins (1-2 in five starts) despite a nifty 2.56 ERA. Sanchez struck out nine in seven innings and allowed one run and four hits while beating Tampa Bay on June 4 in his last outing.

Deduno was hit hard while losing to the Tigers on May 24, when he allowed six runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings in his first start of the season. He gave up just one run and eight hits in 13 innings over his next two starts before taking a no-decision against the Washington Nationals in his last turn when he gave up three runs (two earned) and six hits in five innings. Deduno is 1-2 with a 9.82 ERA in three career starts against Detroit.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mauer is 5-for-12 against Sanchez while OF Josh Willingham is 2-for-16 with seven strikeouts.

2. Tigers CF Austin Jackson was hitless in three at-bats on Friday in his first major-league outing since May 11 due to a hamstring injury.

3. Minnesota activated 3B Trevor Plouffe (calf) after Friday’s loss. He last played for the Twins on May 21.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Twins 4