The way to try and hang with Tampa Bay is pitching and Minnesota is armed to the teeth. The Twins are second in the majors in ERA (3.42) and strikeouts, No. 1 in WHIP, and sixth in the bullpen (3.49 ERA). Minnesota took two out of three in its last road trip at defending champion Houston, winning as underdogs of +115 and +170. Tampa Bay has never seen Twins rookie Louie Varland (3.51 ERA), who has a 39-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 41 innings. He beat the Astros 8-2 on the road in his last start, as a +170 dog. Tampa Bay is returning from a seven-game road trip andthe Rays are 18-27 after five or more away from home, as well as 12-21 after seven or more straight road contests. The Twins have won four of the last five meetings and I like them today at plus-money. Play Minnesota.
