Star Player
Alec Bohm (PHI) 2/4 1hr 4rbi
Boxscore
Preview
MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Philadelphia Phillies look to complete a three-game sweep Sunday against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Philadelphia (66-58) has controlled the series so far, beating Minnesota 9-1 on Saturday and 7-1 on Friday. The Phillies have won two straight after consecutive losses at St. Louis. The Twins (60-64) have lost two in a row. Philadelphia lists right-handers Andrew Painter (2-8) and Dean Kremer (2-4) as probable pitchers. The forecast at game time calls for 77 degrees with rain. A Philadelphia player to watch is Jesús Luzardo, who has won his past three starts. In that span, Luzardo has allowed three earned runs over 21 2/3 innings. He earned the win Saturday, allowing one run in 6 2/3 innings with nine strikeouts. In that game, Alec Bohm went 5-for-5 with an RBI, and Bryson Stott hit a three-run homer. For Minnesota, reliever Andrew Morris has been steady. Over his past 10 appearances, he has allowed one earned run in 9 1/3 innings. Morris pitched a scoreless inning in Saturday’s loss, and Kody Funderburk and A.J. Minter also worked scoreless innings. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-4 Philadelphia win. Interstat’s ELO system gives the Phillies a 56.20 percent probability to win. Philadelphia is a minus-1.5 favorite, and the over-under is 9.5. After Sunday’s game, Philadelphia opens a six-game homestand Monday against Miami. Minnesota starts a home series Monday against Atlanta. The Phillies have won the first two meetings in the series after losing two of three at St. Louis. They are 66-58 overall. The Twins are 60-64 and will look to avoid the sweep after dropping the first two games against Philadelphia. Philadelphia’s offense has been productive in the first two games, scoring 16 runs. Minnesota has managed two runs total. The game is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Target Field, with rain possible. The temperature is expected to be 77 degrees at first pitch. If rain delays the start, both teams have the probable pitchers available as listed. The Phillies’ next 10 games include three against Miami, three against St. Louis, three at Seattle and one at the Los Angeles Angels. The Twins’ next 10 games include three against Atlanta, three at San Diego, three at the Athletics and one against the Chicago White Sox. The matchup has playoff implications for both teams, as the Phillies try to keep pace in the National League race and the Twins aim to stay competitive in the American League Central. Philadelphia enters the game with a favorable projection, according to Interstat, but the Twins have shown the ability to bounce back after recent losses. Sunday’s result will determine whether the Phillies leave Target Field with a series sweep or the Twins avoid another setback.

