Minnesota (72-52) at Texas (69-54), 8:05 p.m. EDT Sports.com Line: Texas -146, Minnesota +136 Total: 10.5
Two division leaders start a four-game set tonight in Arlington. The Twins are 8-2 in their last 10 games and lead Chicago by five games in the AL Central. The Rangers are just 4-7 in their last 11 contests, but still lead the ALWest by eight games. This will be only the fourth meeting between the two clubs this season, with Minnesota sweeping a three-game home series vs. the Rangers back in late May. Baseball Scores

Nick Blackburn (7-7, 6.66 ERA) takes the hill for Minnesota. Blackburn has been horrendous in nine road starts this year (2-6, 10.01 ERA, 2.18 WHIP) and has just one win in his last nine starts overall (1-6, 9.88 ERA). NFL Scores

Texas counters with right-hander Rich Harden (6-9, 5.43 ERA), who is having the worst season of his career while battling shoulder problems. He will be making only his third start since the All-Star Break. Harden beat the Angels on July 31 (7 IP, 1 ER), but had control problems his last outing at Oakland, walking five in just 2.1 IP while surrendering three runs.

With Harden allowing just 73 hits in 74.1 IP this season, this FoxSheets stat backs the Rangers. Basketball Scores

Play On – Any team (TEXAS) – with a starting pitcher whose gives up 5.5 or less hits/start, with a well rested bullpen – threw 4 innings or less over last 3 games. (96-52 over the last 5 seasons.) (64.9%, +45.6 units. Rating = 3*).