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Pirates' Hayes and Twins' Lewis Set to Ignite PNC Park Showdown

In the realm of baseball, few matchups promise as much excitement and talent on display as the upcoming game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Minnesota Twins. With both teams gearing up for an intense battle, all eyes are on Pirates' third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes and Twins' infielder Royce Lewis, whose recent performances have set the stage for a thrilling encounter.


Aug 20, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (4) makes a putout against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Hayes has been a beacon of consistency and skill for the Pirates. Over his last three games, he's maintained an impressive batting average of .356, with a standout performance against the Dodgers where he hit .667. His ability to get on base, demonstrated by his .417 on-base percentage (OBP) across these games, combined with his slugging prowess, makes him a critical asset for Pittsburgh.


On the other side, Royce Lewis of the Twins has been nothing short of spectacular. Lewis showcased his exceptional talent in one of the previous games by achieving a perfect batting average of 1.000 against the Yankees, including hitting a home run that contributed significantly to his staggering 2.500 on-base plus slugging (OPS). His remarkable performance not only highlights his capabilities but also poses a significant challenge for the Pirates' pitchers.


Aug 20, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

While Hayes leads with his bat, Pirates' pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski has shown promise on the mound with an ERA of 0.00 across two appearances. His control and ability to strike out batters could be pivotal in keeping Twins' hitters like Lewis at bay.


The Twins counter with their own pitching talent in Steven Okert, who boasts an ERA of 0.00 over recent outings, demonstrating his capacity to shut down opposing lineups effectively.


Aug 20, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Ryan Borucki (43) throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

As we look towards this matchup, it's clear that both teams have players capable of changing the game's outcome single-handedly. Whether it's Hayes' bat or Lewis' all-around performance, fans can expect fireworks.


This high-stakes game is scheduled to take place at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA (15212), on June 7th at 22:40 UTC. Fans eager not to miss any action can catch live broadcasts on Apple TV+.

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