Twins at Kansas City series preview

Last update: April 19, 2007 - 8:53 PM

THREE-GAME SERIES AT KAUFFMAN STADIUM

Today, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Sidney Ponson (1-1, 8.18 ERA) vs LHP Odalis Perez (0-2, 9.26)

Saturday, 1:10 p.m. • No TV, 1500-AM

RHP Boof Bonser (0-1, 6.89) vs RHP Zack Greinke (1-2, 3.95)

Sunday. 1:10 p.m. • Ch. 29, 1500-AM

RHP Ramon Ortiz (3-0, 2.05) vs LHP Jorge De La Rosa (1-1, 6.34)

KEY MATCHUP

Several Twins have had success against Royals lefthander Odalis Perez. Luis Castillo is at the top of the list with a career average of .409 against him.

TWINS UPDATE

The Twins were 12-7 against the Royals last year and are 37-20 against them over the past three seasons. They have won 14 of 20 at Kauffman Stadium the past two seasons. ... Jason Bartlett hit .365 vs. the Royals in 2006. Justin Morneau batted. 284 against the Royals last year with four homers and 17 RBI in 18 games. ... Joe Nathan pitched eight scoreless innings against the Royals last season and racked up five saves. He has a 0.65 ERA and 19 saves against Kansas City in his career.

ROYALS UPDATE

Kansas City first baseman Ryan Shealy has two hits in his past 26 at-bats, leading to more playing time lately for Ross Gload. Gload is 3-for-4 with a home run against Ramon Ortiz. It's not a large sample size, but it could be enough to get Gload a start Sunday with Shealy struggling. ... This will be the Twins' first look at Royals super prospect Alex Gordon, who is batting only .125 and has three errors at third base.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III