Los Angeles at Minnesota

The Minnesota Twins have somehow managed to keep themselves in the playoff chase deep into the September stretch drive. They now trail the fading Houston Astros by just 1.5 games for the final Wild Card slot. They are not alone, however, as tonight's opponent the LA Angels is just two games behind the Twins, so this becomes a huge game for both squads. Hector Santiago, the Angels starter for tonight, had a horrendous August after being very good prior to that. He has reclaimed his command, and his last two starts have been brilliant, shutting out a red-hot Texas team on one hit in six innings, and allowing 2 runs over seven frames vs. Houston. He is a half run better on the season than Tom Milone, despite the poor showing in August, and provides an edge here. The Angels have dominated the Twins in recent play, winning 9 of the last 10 meetings, as well as four straight at Target field. Back the Angels in this one.