twins at san francisco

series preview

THREE-GAME SERIES AT AT&T PARK

Friday, 9:15 p.m. • FSN, 96.3-FM

RHP Kyle Gibson (4-3, 4.20) vs.

RHP Tim Lincecum (3-3, 4.74)

Saturday, 9 p.m. • FSN, 96.3-FM

RHP Ricky Nolasco (2-4, 5.50) vs.

RHP Ryan Vogelsong (2-2, 3.62)

Sunday, 3 p.m. • FSN, 96.3-FM

RHP Samuel Deduno (1-2, 3.53) vs.

LHP Madison Bumgarner (5-3, 3.38)

TWINS UPDATE

They have won eight of their past 11 games and stand two games above .500 for the first time this season. ... They are 11-10 on the road and have won three of their past four road series. ... They are 4-5 all-time against the Giants and 3-3 in San Francisco. ... Kyle Gibson never has faced the Giants, and Samuel Deduno has one inning against them during his career. But Ricky Nolasco is 5-5 against the Giants, and 4-1 with a 2.55 ERA in five starts at AT&T Park. But OF Hunter Pence has hit four career homers off Nolasco, and 3B Pablo Sandoval three.

GIANTS UPDATE

They entered Thursday with the best record in the National League, and the third best in the majors. ... They are 3-0 in interleague play, having swept the Indians at home in April. ... They have scored 197 runs this season (entering Thursday), five fewer than the Twins, but their pitching staff has allowed only 167, third fewest in the NL. Their bullpen owns a 2.26 ERA, third best in the majors. ... C Buster Posey missed three games last week because of a nerve irritation in his back, but he is expected to play this weekend. ... They are 6-1 in extra innings.

PHIL MILLER