The Houston Astros (2-4) face off against the Minnesota Twins (2-4) today at Target Field. Hunter Brown is set to start for the Astros, while Joe Ryan takes the mound for the Twins. Houston is coming off a disappointing series against the San Francisco Giants, scoring just six runs over three games, with several players struggling at the plate. Meanwhile, the Twins recently found offensive success, highlighted by Byron Buxton's two hits, including his first home run of the season, leading them to a 6-1 victory against the White Sox.

As the teams prepare for this matchup, betting odds favor the Twins at -121 on the moneyline, while the Astros sit at +102. The total runs are set at 7.0, reflecting a tight contest. With Houston's issues on offense juxtaposed against Minnesota's inconsistent pitching, both teams will be eager to secure a win. Notably, Jose Altuve is hitting an impressive .391 this season, providing a potential spark for Houston as they look to improve their record.

The Minnesota Twins finally showcased their offensive potential with a breakout sixth inning, scoring five runs to secure an 8-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Byron Buxton and Trevor Larnach both received walks, igniting a rally against Penn Murfee, who struggled to find the strike zone. Ryan Jeffers opened the scoring, followed by contributions from Ty France and Edouard Julien, who tied the game with a key hit. A fluke play by Jose Miranda extended the lead, and Harrison Bader's ninth-inning homer capped off a much-needed win for the Twins.

Simeon Woods Richardson made his season debut, allowing two runs over four innings, supported by a solid effort from the bullpen. Louie Varland and three other relievers combined to keep the White Sox scoreless after Woods Richardson’s exit. The Twins' offensive explosion marked a significant improvement from their prior struggles, doubling their previous run total for the season. This victory not only boosts team morale but also signals the potential for a more aggressive hitting strategy moving forward.

The Chicago White Sox showcased dominance over the Minnesota Twins, winning 9-0 in an overwhelming display on Monday. The Twins, who failed to capitalize on early opportunities, faced a tough outing from pitcher Chris Paddack, who conceded all nine runs in just three innings. Manager Rocco Baldelli made the decision to pull stars Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton early, indicating the team's struggle to find rhythm in this season's opening series. While the White Sox's Martín Pérez dazzled with six no-hit innings, the Twins managed only two hits throughout the game, leaving them still searching for their first win of the year.

This loss marks the Twins' fourth straight, with their offensive woes becoming apparent as they have scored only six runs across the four games. Paddack noted the White Sox's impressive at-bats, which forced him into consistent mistakes. Baldelli urged collective improvement as the team must quickly adjust to avoid a prolonged slump.

Mickey Gasper finally reached a significant milestone on Saturday, recording his first Major League hit after a long journey, including 23 plate appearances last season without a hit. His effort came in the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals, albeit in a losing effort for the Minnesota Twins. Gasper, who has a minor league batting average of .275, expressed his relief and excitement, crediting his family for their unwavering support throughout his career. Despite his milestone, the Twins struggled offensively, with the top of their order failing to produce early runs.

In contrast to Gasper's breakthrough, the Twins' trio of Matt Wallner, Carlos Correa, and Byron Buxton went a combined 0 for 23 in the season's early games. Manager Rocco Baldelli emphasized the need for these hitters to maintain their approach despite not finding immediate success.

The Minnesota Twins faced a tough outing against the St. Louis Cardinals in their latest game, suffering a 5-1 defeat. Although Joe Ryan made a commendable return from injury, pitching five solid innings with just one run allowed, the Twins struggled offensively, going hitless through multiple innings. The only run came from a second-inning double by Willi Castro, which scored Trevor Larnach. Following Ryan's exit, Jorge Alcala entered the game and gave up three runs without recording an out, marking a shift in momentum. The Twins' inability to capitalize against Cardinals starter Erick Fedde, who allowed only two hits in six innings, was telling. Byron Buxton attempted to provide some defensive highlights with a leaping catch, but it was not enough to salvage the game.