Twins-Houston series preview: Justin Verlander, Astros crushed Twins in May

The team with the best record in the American League outscored the Twins 21-3 in an earlier three-game sweep.

August 23, 2022 at 12:45AM
Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander smiles as he heads to the dugout after completing eight innings and allowing the Minnesota Twins only one hit during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Justin Verlander no-hit the Twins for 7⅓ innings in the Astros’ 5-0 victory on May 10. He allowed one hit in eight innings. (Craig Lassig, Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Three-game series at Minute Maid Park

All games BSN, 830-AM

Tuesday, 7:10 p.m.: RHP Aaron Sanchez (0-0, 3.60 ERA) vs. RHP Justin Verlander (15-3, 1.95)

Wednesday, 7:10 p.m.: RHP Dylan Bundy (7-5, 4.60 ERA) vs. LHP Framber Valdez (12-4, 2.72)

Thursday, 7:10 p.m.: RHP Chris Archer (2-6, 4.02 ERA) vs. RHP Luis Garcia (10-8, 4.09)

Twins update: They are 62-58 after closing out a four-game series against Texas at Target Field on Monday and trailed American League Central leader Cleveland by two games. ... The Twins were swept by Houston in a three-game series — getting outscored 21-3 — in May at Target Field. The Twins had a nine-game home winning streak going into the series. ... SS Carlos Correa missed the series against his former team because of a finger injury. ... The Twins have recorded double-digit hit totals 48 times this season, tied with St. Louis for third-most in baseball, trailing Colorado (54) and Toronto (51).

Astros update: The American League West leaders, who were idle on Monday, have the league's best record at 78-45. They head home from the first losing road trip (3-4) of the season. ... Verlander no-hit the Twins for 7⅓ innings in the Astros' 5-0 victory on May 10. He allowed one hit in eight innings. ... Former Twin Ryan Pressly earned his 25th save (in 29 opportunities) on Sunday despite giving up two runs. ... 1B Yordan Alvarez returned to the lineup on Sunday — going 2-for-5 with two RBI — after leaving Friday's game because of shortness of breath. He was evaluated at a hospital and sat out Saturday.

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about the writer

Joel Rippel

News Assistant

Joel Rippel writes about sports for the Star Tribune.

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