Minnesota Twins look to win series against slumping Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Minnesota Twins aim for their third consecutive series win as they face the slumping Pittsburgh Pirates. The Twins won 2-1 in the series opener, with Byron Buxton's infield single and Trevor Larnach's two-run blast providing all the offense. The Pirates have lost seven straight games. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli praised his team's pitching, defense, and baserunning, while Pirates right-hander Mike Burrows will look to spoil the Twins' hot streak in his first career start against them.

Title: Minnesota Twins Seek Third Consecutive Series Victory Against Slumping Pittsburgh Pirates

The Minnesota Twins are poised to secure their third consecutive series win as they face the slumping Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game set at Target Field. The Twins, who have been on a roll, won the series opener 2-1, with Byron Buxton's infield single and Trevor Larnach's two-run blast providing all the offensive firepower. The Pirates, on the other hand, have lost seven straight games, further highlighting their current struggles.

The Twins' manager, Rocco Baldelli, praised his team's performance, particularly their pitching, defense, and baserunning, which helped them win a close game against the Pirates. The Twins' offense, which has been consistent in recent games, scored all its runs in the fourth inning, showcasing their ability to capitalize on opportunities. The Twins' pitching staff has been a key factor in their recent success, with Joe Ryan leading the way with a 2.76 ERA and 0.89 WHIP [2].

The Pirates, who have been struggling with their offensive output, have not been able to provide much support to their pitchers. Despite a solid start from Paul Skenes in the series opener, the Pirates' offense has been lackluster. The Pirates' catcher, Joey Bart, has been particularly cold at the plate, hitting just .230 in his last 10 at-bats. The Pirates' offense will need to improve significantly if they hope to turn around their current losing streak [4].

The Twins are likely to be without veteran shortstop Carlos Correa, who sustained a mild right ankle sprain in the series opener. Correa, who has been a key contributor to the Twins' offense, will be a significant loss for the team. However, the Twins have shown resilience in the past, and they are likely to find ways to fill the void left by Correa's absence [2].

The Pirates will be looking to avoid an eighth-straight loss against the Twins on Saturday afternoon. RHP Mike Burrows, who has a 1-2 record with a 3.63 ERA in his career, will start for Pittsburgh. The Twins have yet to announce a starter for Saturday's game. First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET [3].

In conclusion, the Minnesota Twins are in a strong position to extend their winning streak against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Twins' pitching, defense, and baserunning have been key factors in their recent success, while the Pirates' offensive struggles have been a significant hindrance. The Twins' ability to capitalize on opportunities and their resilience in the face of adversity make them strong favorites to secure their third consecutive series win.

References:
[1] https://steelcitypirates.com/2025/07/11/series-preview-pittsburgh-pirates-38-56-at-minnesota-twins-45-48/
[2] https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/twins-seek-series-victory-vs-slumping-pirates-2025-07-12/
[3] https://pittsburghbaseballnow.com/pirates-match-season-high-losing-streak-paul-skenes-takes-another-loss/
[4] https://www.si.com/mlb/pirates/news/pittsburgh-pirates-struggle-offensively-again-lose-vs-twins