The Twins are six games out of the division and one game out of the second wild card as they host the Indians in a split-double header on Thursday. Needless to say, a sweep would do the Twins playoff chances a lot of good. The better of the two games is the night cap that pits Ryan Merritt against Jose Berrios. Merritt, in his short career, appears never to have heard of the trend toward a three-true outcomes game. In 16 MLB innings, he has yet to allow a home run or issue a walk, and struck out just eight batters. Three of his 14 hits allowed went for doubles, giving him an opponents slash line of .241/.241/.293. He posted a 3.33 ERA in the minors with just that MO. Berrios, also in his second season in the minors, went the other way, with 24 home runs, 65 walks, and 137 K in 157 1/3 innings. He has brought the walks and home run rates down this year without losing his ability to strikeout batters.

Chris Archer and the Rays take on the Blue Jays and Chris Rowley in another wild card important game. Over the last three seasons, Archer is right in the mix of elite strikeout pitchers. He owns the highest ERA of the top five, as he lacks their ability to limit walks. Rowley, a West Point graduate, makes the second MLB start of his career. He allowed just one run in 5 1/3 innings during his debut, walking one and striking out three.

Enjoy!