The Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins split the first two games of the American League Division Series last weekend, and now the scene shifts to Target Field. The best-of-five series is now best-of-three, with the Twins holding home-field advantage.
Game 2 was a crucial win for Minnesota. The team avoided the horror of a 2-0 series and the chance to play in the ALDS without returning to Houston. The Twins also have the starting pitching advantage in Game 3, at least on paper. Of course, the Astros aren’t going to go down quietly, but Minnesota must be pretty happy with where things stand right now.
You can view the full playoff schedule hereand Here are the brackets for the 2023 playoffs. Now, let’s understand the important content of ALDS.
How to watch Astros-Twins Game 3
date: Tuesday, October 10 | time: 4:07 p.m. ET
Place: Target Field (Minneapolis)
TV channel: fox | live streaming: fubo (free trial)
Starting Pitcher: RHP Christian Javier (10-5, 4.56 ERA) vs. RHP Sonny Gray (8-8, 2.79 ERA)
Odds: Min -135 | Hou +115 | Out/Out: 8
Game 3 Preview
At least on paper, the Twins have the starting pitching advantage in Game 3. Gray, who will likely receive Cy Young votes, went five straight scoreless innings against the Toronto Blue Jays in his first start in the wild-card series. Javier struggled last season in Houston’s run to the World Series, including a hitless start in Game 4 against the Philadelphia Phillies, but he had an up-and-down season and was no longer the same pitcher. There’s more to life than just starting pitching, but the Twins have to feel confident going into Game 3 when Gray takes on Javier.
prophecy
The Twins have been better over the final 12 innings of the series since Justin Verlander exited Game 1, and we predict that will continue in Game 3. Gray pitched well, Javier was in home run trouble, and Minnesota moved within one game of their first ALCS berth since 2002. Pick: Twins 6, Astros 2.
