Guardians vs Twins predictions
Looking at the Guardians going into this one, there’s a lot riding on Steven Kwan at the top of the lineup. He’s been swinging one of the hotter bats with a team-leading .311 average, so it’s not much of a stretch to see him collecting a couple of hits and maybe snagging a run or two if things click early. Power-wise, Kyle Manzardo is the big bopper to watch. With 10 home runs and 25 RBIs already, it wouldn’t be a shocker to see him tag one over the fence at Target Field, especially since the Guardians need everything they can get in the race for runs. Now, Gavin Williams has the ball for Cleveland, and the Twins aren’t exactly raking at the plate this season, so if Williams can limit hard contact and keep the ball in the yard, he could give the Guardians a real fighting chance.
Minnesota, meanwhile, is looking for someone to step up with Byron Buxton working back from a concussion. His absence is definitely a blow since he leads them in average, homers, and RBIs—basically, there’s a Buxton-shaped hole in the lineup that just doesn’t go away. Guys like Carlos Correa and Edouard Julien are left to shoulder the burden; you can imagine Correa coming through for a couple of knocks tonight, maybe with a timely double in the gap. On the mound, Chris Paddack has been solid at home, and facing a Guardians lineup that isn’t exactly overflowing with hits or high on-base guys, he’s got a legit shot at putting together a quality start—think six innings, a handful of strikeouts, not too many fireworks.
When it comes down to picking a winner, this matchup feels close, but the Twins’ home record kind of jumps off the page. Even without Buxton, Minnesota just seems to find a way to grind out wins at Target Field, especially with Paddack on the bump and a bullpen that usually keeps things cool late. The Guardians are tough, and if their stars can break out, it’ll be a real fight—but in this one, I’m leaning Minnesota by a nose. What’s your gut say?
