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Sonny Gray (4-1, 2.15 ERA) will start for the Minnesota Twins Friday. Yusei Kikuchi (6-2, 4.40 ERA) starts for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Both starters are solid and come into this one with their backs against the walls.
Gray hasn't had a win since April 30. He's capable of making it into the 7th inning and has gotten through six in his last two starts. Three of his last five starts have resulted in game totals staying Under the current total of 8.5.
Gray logged a quality start in Saturday's loss to the Guardians, giving up three runs on 10 hits over 6 2/3 innings.
Prior to that he was charged with three runs -- two earned -- in six-plus innings against the Astros.
Here's the killer: Toronto Blue Jays career statistics vs. Sonny Gray are just 13 for 77 (.169). Just one home run was scored against him.
Yusei Kikuchi struck out eight while allowing two runs in five innings Sunday against the Mets but did not factor into the decision. He previously pitched five innings and allowed two runs in a win over the Brewers Tuesday.
Minnesota Twins career statistics vs. Yusei Kikuchi have had success against him. They are 20 of 56 (.357). Three of those were home runs but two of the three were courtesy of Kyle Garlick. He's averaging .192 with just two homers on the season.
The Twins are 6-15 in their last 21 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
The Twins are 7-19 in their last 26 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
- Ean Lamb, Gambling911.com
