Game Preview: Padres Kick Off Series With Twins

Jul 27, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder

(39) hits a triple in the third inning against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Keys to Padres Victory:

If the Padres want to earn their first win against the Twins in over 9 years they’re going to need at lot of things to go right. Here are a couple of the most important keys to notching a win tonight.

Get Danny Santana Out:

The Twins lead off hitter has been red hot in his team’s last 2 games. He’s gone 7 of 10 with 5 RBI and 5 runs scored. He’s not only setting the table, but also cleaning it up when he gets the chance. The Padres success tonight starts with stopping Santana.

More from Padres News

• Fernando Tatis Jr. may not take to outfield move after Xander Bogaerts addition
• Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
• Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher
• This veteran DH target seems ideal for contending Padres roster
• Padres got steal with Xander Bogaerts after Carlos Correa’s mega-deal

Get to the Pen Early:

The Twins bullpen may have the 10th lowest ERA in the majors, but there’s more to the story than just ERA. They only strand 72.8% of baserunners which is the 10th worst in the majors and their 6.87 strikeout rate in last among all bullpens. If the Padres can get Phil Hughes out of the game early they can abuse this bullpen to put the game away.