Cleveland at Minnesota

The red-hot Cleveland Indians invade the Twin Cities today in a classic pitching duel featuring Johan Santana vs. C.C. Sabathia. Santana has had his usual good year, but the Twins are just not the same team they have been in recent years. Therefore, they are just 16-12 in Santana starts. Santana has not pitched as well of late, as in his last eight starts he is pitching to a 4.15 ERA. Sabathia has been steady right through the season, and has been right their with the mighty Santana on the season. Sabathia has 17 starts allowing 2 runs or less compared to 16 for Santana. And Sabathia has 22 starts allowing 3 or less to Santana's 21. Sabthia is also pitching to a 2.22 ERA over his last eight games. The Indians have a great history vs. Santana. They are 5-0 against him in his last five decisions. Santana has allowed 23 HR's this season, including 5 in his last two outings, and the Indians have touched him up for 14. The Indians have dominated this Twin team this season, as they stand 11-4 and Santana is 0-4 vs. the Tribe this season. The Indians have out-scored the Twins in head-to-head play 78-42 (5.2 - 2.8 runs per game). The Indians are 10-2 in their last 12, and we look for them to take game one in Minnesota.