White Sox at Twins
In one of the best regular seasons in franchise history, the Minnesota Twins pulled off one of their more remarkable wins Tuesday night. They'll try to build off a dramatic triumph that included two extra-inning comebacks when they continue a three-game series with the visiting Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.
After blowing an early five-run lead, Minnesota rallied for a game-tying run in the 11th, and - after giving up two runs in the top of the 12th - scored three more in the bottom half to steal a wild 9-8 victory and maintain a five-game lead in the American League Central. Marwin Gonzalez had three hits and drove in two runs in the decisive three-run rally in the 12th for the Twins, whose pitching staff allowed a season high-tying 20 hits but recorded 14 strikeouts. Tim Anderson went 4-for-6 for Chicago, including a go-ahead solo homer in the 11th, to raise his AL-leading average to .336. Jake Odorizzi will try to improve on a 7-2 home record when he starts Wednesday for the Twins while Chicago will utilize a bullpen day.
TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Chicago, FS North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Ivan Nova (10-12, 4.86 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (14-6, 3.60)
Dylan Covey was originally scheduled for Wednesday's start but was scratched due to a sore shoulder. Nova is expected to give the White Sox at least an inning as the opener before the bullpen finishes the job. Nova threw 71 pitches over 3 1/3 innings at Seattle on Sunday.
Odorizzi has allowed three earned runs or fewer in eight straight starts and he struck out 10 over 5 1/3 solid innings against the Cleveland Indians on Sept. 7. He pitched two innings Friday at Cleveland before rain caused the game to be postponed. Jose Abreu is 9-for-23 with two doubles and three walks against the 29-year-old Odorizzi, who sports a solid 3.20 ERA in nine career starts versus Chicago.
WALK-OFFS
1. Twins INF/OF Luis Arraez is 6-for-9 in the series.
2. Abreu knocked in one run Tuesday to push his AL-leading total to 119.
3. Minnesota has a 13-5 season series advantage entering the final matchup between the two teams.