After opening the season with nine consecutive losses, the Twins finally won a game. They beat the Angels, 5-4, on Friday. I see the Twins building on that victory with another win today against the Angels. Minnesota isn't as bad as it record may indicate having opened with six straight road games, including three against the world champion Royals.

First, note the early starting time. The Angels aren't used to playing at this time of day. The pitching matchup is Jered Weaver versus Ricky Nolasco.

I understand backing Nolasco is an adventure. But I'll take him as an underdog at home against the fading Weaver, who went 3-10 with a major-league worst 6.01 ERA on the road last season. Weaver is 33 and in the twilight of his career with his velocity well down.

The Angels have lost seven of Weaver's past nine road starts and are 1-4 the last five times he's pitched at Minnesota. The Twins have won six of Nolasco's last eight starts. Nolasco allowed just one run in seven innings in his first start this season against the Royals this past Sunday. The Twins have won the last four times Nolasco pitched on five day's rest.

The Twins' offense is due for an explosion. Weaver could be the catalyst for that as he surrendered 18 homers when pitching on the road last year.