Streaking Twins Look to Continue Winning Ways at Royals’ Expense

The Minnesota Twins, (87-72, 91-66 RL, 87-65-5 O/U), have shown all season long, that, despite their small market status, they are one of the toughest teams to put away because of their never-say-die attitude.

Now, after coming off a three-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox that put them in first place in the AL Central, the Twins look to complete their postseason plans by taking out the lowly Kansas City Royals, (73-86, 78-81 RL, 73-84-2 O/U), in their final series of the 2008 regular season.

The Twins, winners of four straight games in the BetUS Sportsbook, beat the White Sox on Thursday as Alexi Casilla singled home the winning run as the Twins came back from a five-run deficit to win 7-6 in 10 innings.

"We're going to give you nine tough innings no matter what. You can never count a team out that has heart like we do," said Twins first baseman Justin Morneau.

Minnesota will hand the ball to streaking left-hander Francisco Liriano (6-3, 3.39 ERA) who takes the mound looking to win his seventh consecutive decision since rejoining the team from Triple-A Rochester a month ago.

Liriano limited the Tampa Bay Rays to one run on five hits while striking out seven in seven innings in Minnesota’s 4-1 win over the Rays on Sunday.

"From my last start, I tried not to rush and just picked my spots," said Liriano, who is 1-1 with a 4.42 ERA in three career starts this season against Kansas City.

The Royals, winners of three straight games, will counter with veteran right-hander Kyle Davies (8-7, 4.21), who is shooting for his third straight win after limiting the White Sox to two runs on three hits in a 5-2 win on Saturday.

Here is a look at tonight’s key online sports wagering trends followed by my analysis and MLB online betting Free Picks.

The Royals are 4-1 in Davies' last five starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

The Royals are 1-4 in Davies' last five starts with five days of rest.

The Twins are 4-1 in Liriano’s last five home starts vs. a team with a losing record.

The Twins are 4-1 in Liriano's last five home starts.

The Under is 4-0 in Davies' last four starts vs. American League Central.

The Under is 7-1 in Liriano’s last eight starts with four days of rest.

The Under is 9-3-1 in the last 13 meetings.

The Under is 37-18-4 in the last 59 meetings in Minnesota.

Kansas City Royals +1½ Ev

Kyle Davies –R +190

Minnesota Twins -1½ -120

Francisco Liriano –L -230

Over 8 -110

Under 8 -110

Analysis: While the Royals and Davies are each playing excellent baseball lately, I just don’t see the spirited Twins dropping this contest after laying three devastating ‘smackdowns’ on the White Sox to take a slim lead in the AL Central heading into this series. Take the Twins to find a way to win this contest.

MLB Free Picks: Twins 5 Royals 2