Athletics Look to Build Momentum After Shutting Down Twins in Series Opener

The A's just blanked Minnesota 2-0 on Thursday, handing the Twins a rare goose egg at home and making DarkHorse's Twins pick look foolish in the process. Now Oakland rolls back into Target Field on Friday looking to prove that wasn't a fluke, while Minnesota tries to shake off the offensive cobwebs and reclaim some dignity in front of their own fans.

Here's the thing: shutouts don't happen by accident, especially on the road in July. Oakland's pitching staff clearly had the Twins' number yesterday, and confidence is a real currency in baseball. The question is whether Minnesota's lineup—which we assume has some pop, given they were favored at -144—can wake up and respond, or if the A's have found a formula that travels into Game 2.

The Twins are at home, and home teams don't like going down 0-2 in a series. Expect adjustments, expect urgency, and expect Minnesota to come out swinging early. But Oakland just reminded everyone they're not a pushover, and momentum in a short series is everything. DarkHorse hasn't weighed in yet on tonight's rematch, so we're flying blind on the sharp money—but the A's just earned the benefit of the doubt.