Gibson, Twins look to continue recent success vs. White Sox
The Minnesota Twins are still searching for their first win, but with their home opener on tap Monday and the Chicago White Sox in town, there's a good chance that they'll get it.
The Twins were a dominant 13-6 against the White Sox in 2015, while posting one of the highest run differentials of the year in the season series.
Best Run Differential vs. Any Opponent – 2015
Team | Opponent | Differential | Runs scored |
Nationals | Braves | +54 | 112-58 |
Twins | White Sox | +51 | 108-57 |
Royals | Tigers | +41 | 107-66 |
Angels | Rangers | +38 | 114-76 |
Mets | Phillies | +35 | 111-76 |
And while the White Sox are now 4-2 following a big win over the Cleveland Indians, they have yet to score a run in the first two innings of a game this year.
The Sox are the only team in the majors to be held scoreless in the first two innings so far this season.
MLB, Fewest Runs Scored in Innings 1-2 - 2016
Team | Runs scored |
White Sox | 0 |
Mets | 1 |
Padres | 1 |
Braves | 2 |
Angels | 2 |
Cardinals | 2 |
Rays | 2 |
Starter Kyle Gibson -- who is set to make his second appearance of the season on Monday -- has been particularly effective, and ranks alongside teammate Tommy Milone as one of the league's most successful pitchers when facing the White Sox.
Active Players, Lowest Career ERA vs. White Sox (minimum 5 GS)
Player | Team | ERA |
Wade Davis | Royals | 1.82 |
Jered Weaver | Angels | 1.99 |
Tommy Milone | Twins | 2.02 |
Kyle Gibson | Twins | 2.13 |
Max Scherzer | Nationals | 2.54 |
Ivan Nova | Yankees | 2.54 |
The Minnesota's recent success against the White Sox hasn't been limited to the mound. Since 2014 Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe has led the majors in RBI when facing the White Sox.
Most RBI vs. White Sox – Since 2014
Player | Team | RBI |
Trevor Plouffe | Twins | 27 |
Michael Brantley | Indians | 25 |
Lorenzo Cain | Royals | 24 |
Eric Hosmer | Royals | 24 |
Billy Butler | Athletics | 22 |
Statistics courtesy of STATS, inc.