Interleague Play Preview: AL Central foes provide tough tasks for St. Louis

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May 9, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Torii Hunter (48) and first baseman Joe Mauer (7) celebrate a 7-4 win over the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Twins

STL plays: June 15-16 (Home), June 17-18 (Road)

Record: 18-14, 3rd in AL Central

Season outlook: Expected to be the division’s bottomfeeder under new coach Paul Molitor, Minnesota has started strong and is currently positioned as the American League’s second Wild Card team. The Twins have only had one winning season since moving to Target Field in 2010, but a 12-5 home record adds to this year’s positive surprises in Minneapolis.

Key Players: Former MVP catcher Joe Mauer has looked to rejuvenate his career at first base, but his offensive production has declined as he remains without a home run in 2015. Minnesota has been winning many of their games with strong late-inning efforts, largely in part to closer Glen Perkins who sports 11 saves and a 1.26 ERA.

Prediction: Cardinals take 3-of-4 games in series, including the first two at home.