IMPACT PLAYER: Carl Pavano, Twins

The righthander pitched eight shutout innings, his second strong outing in a row, and lowered his ERA from 6.00 to 3.60.

BY THE NUMBERS

4 Consecutive games in which the Twins have had at least 10 hits.

8 Innings pitched by Pavano for the second start in a row.

11 Consecutive batters retired by Pavano before Tampa Bay got its first hit.

.327 Career batting average for Justin Morneau against the Rays.

ON DECK

Nick Blackburn is 2-2 with a 6.10 ERA against Tampa Bay in his career as he prepares to go against them Friday. He faces the winless Wade Davis.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III