The San Francisco Giants (24-14) and Minnesota Twins (18-20) are both riding high heading into Friday’s showdown at Target Field. San Francisco, winners of five of their last six, is coming off a crucial series win, while Minnesota, on a five-game winning streak, looks to keep the momentum going at home. But this game isn’t just about streaks—it’s about the starters, and that’s where things get interesting. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Friday night baseball game between the Twins and the Giants.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Twins vs. Giants prediction, preview
The San Francisco Giants roll into Target Field on fire, having won five of their last six games. Their offense is producing solid numbers, ranking 9th in MLB with 4.8 runs per game. But let’s be real — this team’s strength isn’t just their batting. It’s their defense and bullpen. With a second-best bullpen ERA of 2.47, the Giants know how to lock it down late. Despite some struggles at the plate (.236 BA), their overall balance is making them dangerous.
On the mound, Jordan Hicks (1-3, 6.03 ERA) is tasked with stopping Minnesota’s momentum. His fastball can be electric, but inconsistency has haunted him. Hicks has a 6.35 ERA on the road this season, but he’s striking out batters at a solid rate (34 K’s in 37.1 IP). For San Francisco, it’s all about survival early and letting the bullpen handle the rest. If Hicks can get through five innings without giving up a ton of hard contact, the Giants are in a good spot. There’s been an encouraging uptick in that fastball recently.
Minnesota is running hot too. They’ve won five straight as well, with a 3.42 team ERA ranking sixth in MLB. But here’s the kicker—their offense is sputtering. Ranked 20th in runs and 22nd in batting average, the Twins are winning by the skin of their teeth. Byron Buxton’s nine bombs and 25 RBIs lead the team, but he can’t carry the load alone. With an offense this shaky, the Twins need their pitchers to do the heavy lifting.
Chris Paddack (0-3, 5.57 ERA) gets the nod for Minnesota. He’s been shaky, with 16 walks in 32.1 innings and a tendency to give up big innings. His ERA at home is slightly better (3.86), but that’s not saying much. Paddack has shown flashes, but he’s also allowed 2+ earned runs in every start. And if the Twins bullpen is forced to pitch early, it could be trouble — they’ve been solid, but they’ve been overused. San Francisco, meanwhile, is rested and ready to put pressure on.
Giants vs. Twins pick, best bet
The Giants have covered the spread in five of seven as road underdogs against AL Central teams. Even with Hicks on the mound, their bullpen has been a difference-maker. Minnesota’s streak is impressive, but they’re 0-11 when allowing 5+ runs. Paddack has been inconsistent, and their offense isn’t putting up enough runs to back him up.
The Giants are built for tight games, and their bullpen will stymie a Twins offense that struggles against elite pitching. Minnesota has trouble executing when their starter falters, and they’ve failed to put up big numbers against top-tier teams.
Best bet: San Francisco (-115) at Twins
San Fran keeps it rolling in the Great North—tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
