MINNEAPOLIS, MN - The Minnesota Twins are set to host the New York Mets tonight at Target Field, kicking off a three-game series with both teams looking to improve their early-season records. The game is scheduled to start at 7:40 PM ET and will be broadcast on SNY and Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM.
The Mets (10-5) come into this matchup riding high after taking two of three games against the Oakland Athletics over the weekend. They currently sit first in the National League East, while the Twins (5-11) are struggling, having dropped two of three to the Detroit Tigers. The Twins are looking to turn their season around in front of their home crowd.
Tonight's pitching matchup features right-hander Clay Holmes (1-1, 4.30 ERA) for the Mets, who is making his fourth start of the season. Holmes has been a reliable option since transitioning from the bullpen, although he has averaged less than five innings per start. His strikeout rate is impressive, sitting at 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings, and he has struck out 20 batters in his first three starts, including a standout performance with 10 strikeouts against the Miami Marlins last week.
On the other side, the Twins will send Joe Ryan (1-1, 2.65 ERA) to the mound. Ryan has been a bright spot for Minnesota, boasting a 0.706 WHIP and impressive control, having not walked a batter yet this season. His performance in 2024, where he posted a 3.60 ERA over 135 innings, has set high expectations for his continued development.
Both teams have struggled offensively in the early going, with the Mets averaging 4.07 runs per game and the Twins trailing behind at 3.44 runs, which ranks 24th in the majors. The Twins have particularly struggled with a .613 OPS, putting them at 26th in the league. This game is expected to be a low-scoring affair, leading many experts to predict the Under as a favorable bet, especially with the total set at 8 runs.
"The Under has been a common theme for both teams this season," a betting analyst noted. "The Mets have an 11-4 record for the Under, while the Twins have hit the Under in six of their last seven games. With both pitchers showing promise, it’s hard to see either lineup breaking out offensively tonight."
In terms of lineups, the Mets will feature a potent batting order that includes Francisco Lindor at shortstop, Juan Soto in right field, and Pete Alonso at first base. Alonso leads the Mets with a .321 batting average, four home runs, and 18 RBIs, making him a key player to watch tonight. Brandon Nimmo, who has also been hot with four home runs, will play left field, while Jesse Winker serves as the designated hitter.
The Twins will counter with Edouard Julien as their designated hitter, followed by Byron Buxton in center field and Carlos Correa at shortstop. Ty France, who leads the Twins with a .298 batting average, will be at first base, while Willi Castro, who has shown some power with five doubles and a home run, will play second base.
As the game approaches, the atmosphere at Target Field is expected to be electric, with fans eager to see if the Twins can capitalize on their home advantage and if the Mets can continue their strong start to the season. The stakes are high for both teams as they look to establish momentum early in the year.
Injuries could play a role in the game, with the Mets missing key players like Jose Siri and Francisco Alvarez, while the Twins are dealing with injuries to Pablo Lopez and Royce Lewis. The absence of these players could impact both teams' strategies as they navigate through the game.
As the first pitch approaches, the excitement builds. Will the Mets continue their winning ways, or can the Twins find a way to bounce back? Tonight's matchup promises to deliver drama and intensity, setting the stage for what could be an unforgettable series between these two teams.
With the game starting at 7:40 PM ET, fans are encouraged to tune in and catch all the action live. The Mets are favored to win, but as both teams know, anything can happen in baseball.
