The Wall Street honchos say past results are no promise of future performances, but if previous games in 2010 between the White Sox and Twins are indicators of what will happen this week in Chicago then get ready to break out the Maalox.
The Central Division leading White Sox are one-half game ahead of the Twins as the two teams prepare for a three-game series that opens tomorrow night at U.S. Cellular Field. The last time the Twins were in Chicago was April 9-11 when they won two of three in a series where each game was decided by a run.
The series was a precursor to a 2010 rivalry that’s being defined by a simple word to describe each game and also the division standings: Close.
At home in May the Twins lost to Chicago, 5-2, but won the next game 3-2. At Target Field last month the Twins lost 8-7 to the White Sox, then won games by scores of 7-4, 3-2 and 7-6. For the season that’s seven of nine games decided by one run.
By now even your stock broker gets the idea. The drama could continue during the three-game series in Chicago this week, then at Target Field August 17-19 and back at U.S. Cellular September 14-16.
The Twins are 17-7 since the All-Star break. That performance has been accomplished despite the absence of starters and major contributors Justin Morneau (last game July 7) and Orlando Hudson (returned yesterday after being out since July 24).
How have they done it? A favorable schedule against some softies, surprising contributions from subs, and, oh yes, at times pretty solid pitching. Reliable starting pitching and a quality bullpen win games. No headline making news with that item.
Pitching wins close games and division titles. (Past performance does indicate future results).