Date: May 6, 2025
Time: 7:40 PM ET
Venue: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
Broadcast: MASN, Bally Sports North
Matchup Overview
The Baltimore Orioles (13-20) travel to Minnesota to face the Twins (15-20) in the first game of their three-game series. The Orioles are looking to snap a losing streak, while the Twins aim to build momentum after a strong homestand.
Minnesota enters as the -162 favorite, while Baltimore is +137 underdogs.
Starting Pitchers
Baltimore Orioles – Cade Povich (1-2, 5.16 ERA, 25 K)
- Last Start: 5 innings, 3 earned runs vs. Tampa Bay.
- Season Stats: 5.16 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, .245 opponent batting average.
- Analysis: Povich has struggled with command but has shown flashes of potential. He’ll need to limit hard contact against Minnesota’s lineup.
Minnesota Twins – Pablo López (2-2, 2.25 ERA, 26 K)
- Last Start: 6 1/3 innings, 2 earned runs vs. Cleveland.
- Season Stats: 2.25 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, .222 opponent batting average.
- Analysis: López has been dominant, averaging 5.6 innings per start. His ability to control Baltimore’s offense will be key.
Key Players to Watch
Baltimore Orioles
- Cedric Mullins – Leads the team with 28 hits, 21 RBIs.
- Gunnar Henderson – Batting .274 with six home runs.
- Adley Rutschman – Provides stability behind the plate and in the lineup.
Minnesota Twins
- Byron Buxton – Batting .260 with seven home runs.
- Ty France – Has been heating up, hitting .316 over his last 10 games.
- Trevor Larnach – Provides power, with five home runs and 18 RBIs.
Game Storylines & Predictions
1. Can Baltimore’s Offense Break Through?
The Orioles rank 27th in MLB in batting average (.227) and 23rd in runs scored (129). They’ll need a strong offensive showing to challenge López.
2. Twins’ Home Advantage
Minnesota has won seven of their last eight home games, showing strength at Target Field.
3. Pitching Duel – López vs. Povich
López has been Minnesota’s most reliable starter, while Povich is looking to prove himself. The outcome may hinge on which pitcher controls the game.
Game Odds
Baltimore Orioles 8.5
Minnesota Twins – 170
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, May 5, 2025
