Bauer looks to even the score against the Twins

Cleveland Indians @ Minnesota Twins

Saturday, July 16, 2016. 7:10 PM ET, Target Field

TV: STO, MLB.TV

Radio: WTAM

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We'll have to wait an extra day to find out if the Cleveland Indians' sacrifice to Jobu was effective because Trevor Bauer is on the mound, which means that Chris Gimenez is behind the plate instead of Yan Gomes. The Tribe won last night by a score of 5-2, bringing their overall record against the Twinkies to 3-4. Since the Twins are the only team in the division that Cleveland has a losing record against, it sure would be nice to even the score in today's contest.

The Minnesota Twins send RHP Tyler Duffey to the mound to begin today's game. Duffey has not pitched well this season, as he owns a 5.20 ERA and a 4.58 FIP in 79.2 innings of work. During his 14 starts, Duffey has allowed 46 earned runs while striking out 68 and walking 18 (good for an ERA+ of 83). Hitters are doing well against Duffey, as he has given up over ten hits per nine innings as well as a home run and a half over nine innings. His last start came prior to the All-Star Break on July 7th where he went 6 scoreless innings against the Rangers and allowed just 2 hits while striking out 9 (tied for his season best).

The good guys counter with Trevor Bauer, the former first round pick who has been having a bit of a breakout season since returning to the rotation. Bauer, through 101 innings this season, is the owner of a solid 3.30 ERA and an equally solid 3.57 FIP. In his 20 appearances thus far (13 starts, 7 out of the bullpen), Bauer has allowed 37 earned runs while striking out 91 and walking 35 (good for an ERA+ of 142). Bauer has struggled a bit with the walks this season (3.1 BB/9), but it is the lowest mark so far in his career, so he is trending in the right direction. His previous start came before the All-Star Break against New York; in that game, Bauer went 5.2 innings and allowed 5 runs on 8 hits while only striking out 4. Here's to a nice bounce back game against a fairly anemic lineup.

And now, here's the starting 9 for your Tribe:

LET'S GO TRIBE!!!