The Twins, in spite of a very hot offense of late, are just 5-5 L10. It is the starting pitching that has been in question with a majority of very poor short starts. The bullpen has, over the same time, been reasonably effective.

Milwaukee has also struggled lately, but in their case the starters have been fine, while the bullpen has dropped the ball. Their offense had been very solid but it has cooled slightly in the last week.

The Brewers left hander Ashby (2-6, 4.52) started the season very well, but came off the rails at the beginning of June. Opposing hitters crushed him that month to the tune of .350, and July’s numbers have not been that much better. He has been very poor on the road this year.

He faces Twins’ rookie Joe Ryan. After a very fine start, he went on the IL, returning in June. Since then, he has shown steady improvement, flashing that early form in his last two starts.

The Twins are a good home team with very impressive OPS and home run stats. Ashby has been a victim of the long ball lately, and has not pitched for length. Ryan has the real goods and the Twins’ bullpen has been able to deliver lately, unlike the Brewers’. I am banking on the rookie Ryan and the Twins’ offense on Wednesday. Go with the favorite. Twins to win.