The leading projection system (THE BAT) ranks Target Field as the 7th-best ballpark in the league for left-handed base hits. Built 840 feet above sea level, Target Field has the 5th-highest elevation among all parks, which usually leads (as a rule of thumb) to better offense. The weather forecast forecasts temperatures in this matchup to reach the highest level of all games on the slate at 91°, which is highly linked to an increase in offense (and a reduction in strikeouts). Mike Ford will receive the benefit of the platoon advantage against Pablo Lopez in today's game. The Minnesota Twins have just 1 same-handed RP in their bullpen, so Mike Ford stands a good chance of holding the advantage against every reliever all game.