Twins face elimination by Astros in ALDS: Everything you need to know
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins face elimination in game four of the American League Division Series on Wednesday.
The Twins trail the Houston Astros 2-1. If they lose Wednesday's game, they're out of the playoffs. If they win, they'll head back to Houston for game five on Friday.
How did the Twins get here?
The Twins broke two curses last week, ending an 18-game playoff losing streak and a 21-year series win drought. They swept the Toronto Blue Jays 2-0, allowing just one run in those two games.
They lost game one of the ALDS 6-4 to the Astros. In game two, strong pitching by starter Pablo López and great defensive play by Carlos Correa led them to a 6-2 win. They came back to Minnesota for game three, which the Twins lost 9-1.
How good are the Astros?
The Astros finished 90-72, the third-best record in the AL. They're also the reigning World Series champions.
The Twins took the regular season series against the Astros, 4-2. Minnesota outscored Houston 29-25 in those games.
How many games are in the ALDS?
Unlike the Wild Card Series, the Division Series is best of five, meaning you need to win three games to advance.
What's the ALDS schedule?
Game four will take place at Target Field and first pitch is set for 6:07 p.m. Wednesday.
Game five, if necessary, will take place in Houston on Friday. The start time for that game will be announced when and if it becomes necessary.
Who's starting game four?
Joe Ryan is expected to start on the mound for the Twins. Ryan finished the regular season with a 4.51 ERA and 197 strikeouts in 29 starts. He started two games against the Astros this season, going 1-1 and allowing nine total earned runs.
For the Astros, Jose Urquidy is expected to start. Urquidy spent most of the season on the injured list, finishing with a 5.29 ERA. However, he allowed zero runs in his last two starts before the postseason
How do I get tickets?
Very few tickets are still available for Thursday's game on the Twins' website.
Will Rocco Baldelli ever pay for a beer in this town again?
No, even if the Twins lose to the Astros.