**Record: 1-0**
Twins with 3-1 Ramon Ortiz on the mound against Tampa's Jamie Shields who is currently 2-0. Both starters have decent ERA's, Ortiz at a very solid 2.57 vs. Shields respectable 3.75. Although both pitchers have had early sucess this year, i look to Ortiz's history of sucess against the D-Rays to be the telling factor of this game. Ortiz has let up 1 run or less in 4 of his last 5 starts against Tampa Bay, and has not lost. Suprisingly, this is an important series for the Twins. They are trailing the Tigers and Jays who are both playing good ball, and the Tigers are faceing a 3 game set with the Royals, who although are improved are still the Royals. The Twins will be ready to play for this deciding series game, and should be able to handle the Rays on the road to capture the series win.
Minnesota -115
Twins with 3-1 Ramon Ortiz on the mound against Tampa's Jamie Shields who is currently 2-0. Both starters have decent ERA's, Ortiz at a very solid 2.57 vs. Shields respectable 3.75. Although both pitchers have had early sucess this year, i look to Ortiz's history of sucess against the D-Rays to be the telling factor of this game. Ortiz has let up 1 run or less in 4 of his last 5 starts against Tampa Bay, and has not lost. Suprisingly, this is an important series for the Twins. They are trailing the Tigers and Jays who are both playing good ball, and the Tigers are faceing a 3 game set with the Royals, who although are improved are still the Royals. The Twins will be ready to play for this deciding series game, and should be able to handle the Rays on the road to capture the series win.
Minnesota -115
