Winners of 7 straight, the Yankees pitchers have an ERA of under 2 in the last two weeks. They’ve just finished a stretch of 5 straight games when they gave up 1 or less runs PER GAME. Left hander Cortes is leading the pack. Opposing batters hit just .158 vs Cortes in May. He is not overpowering, just wildly effective, giving up just 2 runs over 15 innings in his last two starts. The Yankees won’t need much from their relievers with Cortes on the mound, but if they do, there is no bullpen better at the moment.

The Twins have been hovering around .500 lately, with pretty average hitting and a pitching staff, both starters and relievers, with inflated numbers. Chris Archer is not his old self, but he has been reasonably effective in very short starts this season. Don’t expect more than 5 innings from Archer. While his last start was a 5 inning 1 run effort, his ERA has drifted up over 5 in the last month. The Twins will likely dip into the pen fairly early, and an ERA close to 5.00 lately is not a good look against a team offense as hot as the Yankees’. Did I say how hot? Try .297 BA and a .945 OPS.

The Yankees are obviously favored, but are a fine wager on the runline. Take the Yankees - 1 1/2!