NO. 3 TWINS VS. NO. 6 ASTROS

The Twins claimed its second consecutive American League Central title, but it won’t be justified until they win a playoff series.

The Twins, who finished 36- 24, host the Astros in a three- game, wild- card series at Target Field.

The Twins have lost 16 consecutive postseason games dating to 2004 and were embarrassed by the Yankees last season.

For the Astros, they seek redemption after they were punished by MLB in January for illegally stealing signs during the 2017 season when they won the World Series. The Astros are the first team, along with the National League’s Brewers, to qualify for the postseason with a losing record, finishing the shortened season 29- 31.

SCHEDULE Tuesday:

Astros ( Zack Greinke, 3- 3, 4.03 ERA) at Twins ( Kenta Maeda, 6- 1, 2.70 ERA), 2 p. m. ET, ABC

Wednesday: Astros ( Jose Urquidy, 1- 1, 2.73 ERA) at Twins ( Jose Berrios, 5- 4, 4.00 ERA), 1 ET ( ESPN2)

Thursday: Astros at Twins, TBD, if necessary ( ESPN/ TBS)

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

Astros arms: Houston will rely on Zack Greinke, a former Cy Young winner, Lance McCullers Jr., Jose Urquidy and Framber Valdez in the rotation mix. That’s quite the contrast from last year when they had Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. Twinkie power: The Twins heavily rely on the long ball. Led by slugger Nelson Cruz, 51% of their runs have come courtesy of the home run. Minnesota ranked sixth this season with 91. Four hitters have at least 10: Cruz ( 16), Eddie Rosario ( 13), Byron Buxton ( 13) and Miguel Sano ( 13).

Starting nine: The Twins have been hit hard by the injury bug the last two months. Manager Rocco Baldelli enters the postseason with question marks regarding third baseman Josh Donaldson, out with a strained right calf, and outfielder Byron Buxton, sidelined with a head injury. Meanwhile, the Astros have eight regulars who played in the World Series last season.

PREDICTION: Twins in 3