Minnesota @ Toronto preview
Rogers Centre
Last Meeting ( Mar 24, 2013 ) Toronto 5, Minnesota 14
The Minnesota Twins haven't seen old foe Mark Buehrle in two seasons - and they probably haven't missed him all that much. Buehrle looks to resume his recent dominance over the Twins as he leads the host Toronto Blue Jays into the opener of a three-game set Friday night. Minnesota comes into the series having dropped five straight games, while the Blue Jays aim to rebound after dropping three of four against the Detroit Tigers.
Buehrle's switch to the National League last season - after spending his entire career with the Chicago White Sox - was a welcome respite for Minnesota. The veteran left-hander dominated the Twins in 2011, going 2-1 in four starts while allowing just one earned run over 30 2/3 innings. He'll be opposed Friday by Kevin Correia, who will look to get back on track after being roughed up in his previous start.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, Fox Sports North (Minnesota), RSN (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kevin Correia (6-5, 4.08 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Mark Buehrle (4-5, 4.81)
Correia saw his streak of four straight solid starts come to an end last time out, surrendering five runs over five innings but escaping with a no-decision in a 9-8 Kansas City victory. Correia has just one victory in his last six turns despite allowing three runs or fewer in four of those outings. He's 1-1 with a 6.23 ERA in 13 career innings against the Blue Jays.
Buehrle has put together back-to-back subpar road outings after a promising first four starts in June. The 34-year-old surrendered eight runs in 11 combined innings against the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox to finish 2-2 with a 3.50 ERA in June. Buehrle has enjoyed plenty of success against the Twins, going 27-19 with five complete games in 51 career appearances (49 starts).
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto has won the season series seven straight times, going 38-15 in that span.
2. Twins stars Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau are a combined .207 with three home runs in 111 career at-bats against Buehrle.
3. Correia is 2-4 with a 5.18 ERA and a .319 opposition batting average in seven road starts.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Twins 2