When the Twins open the season against the Cleveland Indians it will be only the third time they have hosted a season opener at Target Field and the fourth time they have played the Cleveland Indians in a season opening game. It should be an interesting game as Twins ace Jose Berrios faces off against Indians ace Corey Kluber. Many baseball experts are picking the Cleveland Indians to defend their AL Central title while others are picking the Minnesota Twins to over-take the Indians this season so the predicted sell-out crowd should see some good baseball.
Season opening games against the Indians over the years
The last time the Minnesota Twins opened the season at home in Target Field was in 2017 when they beat Kansas City Royals 7 to 1. Ervin Santana went seven strong innings that day and held the Royals to just two hits and one run to earn his first win of the season. Attendance was reported at 39,615 and when Santana threw his first pitch it was 50 degrees and overcast. The Twins went on to win 83 games that season and lost a one-game wild card game against the New York Yankees. Box Score
The first time the Minnesota Twins opened the season at home in Target Field was on April 1, 2013 when the hosted the Detroit Tigers but lost the game 4-2 in front of 32,282 fans on a cool but sunny 35 degree day with 17 MPH winds howling out to center field. Vance Worley started on that April Fool’s Day and was the loser. Box Score
I can’t wait, let’s PLAY BALL!