This is a 7* play on MINNESOTA

It's a battle of first place and last place in the AL Central and there's no reason to overthink this one. The division leading Twins enter this weekend series at Kauffman Stadium averaging a MLB-high 6.6 runs/game on the road. They'll also be looking to bounce back from their last series, which saw them drop two of three at home to the Red Sox. But right before that, they'd taken two of three at home from these same Royals. Kansas City is not having a good year, which was expected. Only Baltimore has a lower win percentage. The Royals had actually won three in a row before losing last night in Seattle, but this is not a game or series likely to go their way. Tonight they have to face Jake Odorizzi, who has been one of the American League's top pitchers this year. Minnesota has won Odorizzi's last 11 starts with the last one coming against this very opponent. While Odorizzi wasn't at his best against the Royals last Saturday, allowing four runs, he should make them pay here for not taking advantage. In six of his previous eight starts, Odorizzi hadn't allowed a single run. Opposing him for a second time in less than week will be Glenn Sparkman. He allowed all five runs in that 5-4 loss to Odorizzi and the Twins last Saturday, lasting just five innings. Play on MINNESOTA

AAA