The Cleveland Guardians (15-15) face the division-leading Minnesota Twins (18-14) in an AL Central showdown at Target Field. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m.

Betting Lines:

• Twins: -168 (Favorite)
• Guardians: +142
• Run line: Cleveland +1.5 (-130)
• Over/Under: 8.5 runs

Pitching Matchup:

• Guardians: Aaron Civale (1-2, 9.45 ERA, 1.70 WHIP)
• Twins: Sonny Gray (0-1, 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP)

Key Stats:

• Guardians: 5th in MLB scoring (4.83 runs/game)
• Twins: 4th in MLB pitching (3.23 runs allowed/game)
• Cleveland is 8-10 on the road this season
• Minnesota has lost 3 straight games

Notable Performers:

• Jose Ramirez (CLE): .297/.402/.595, 7 HR, 30 RBI
• Byron Buxton (MIN): .256/.318/.667, 9 HR, 17 RBI

Impact Factors:

• Cleveland's coaching staff dealing with COVID outbreak
• Twins missing Carlos Correa (injured list)
• Josh Naylor and Andres Gimenez are combined 4-for-6 with 2 HR vs Gray
• Buxton is 2-for-4 with a HR against Civale

Analysis: The Guardians have a chance to gain ground in the division if Civale can rebound from recent struggles (16 ER in last 12.2 IP). Cleveland's strong offense faces a tough test against Gray and Minnesota's elite pitching staff. The Twins look to snap their losing streak despite missing key pieces.

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