Twins at Oakland series preview

Last update: May 31, 2007 - 8:47 PM

THREE-GAME SERIES AT McAFEE COLISEUM

Today, 9:05 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Kevin Slowey (0-0, --) vs. LHP Joe Kennedy (1-4, 3.62)

Saturday, 8:05 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Carlos Silva (3-5, 4.22) vs. RHP Joe Blanton (4-3, 4.28)

Sunday, 3:05 p.m. • Ch 29 (FSN outstate), 1500-AM

LHP Johan Santana (6-4, 3.21) vs RHP Chad Gaudin (5-1, 2.32)

Key matchup

Twins second baseman Luis Castillo, left, has a good chance of continuing his hot hitting tonight because he's batting .455 against Joe Kennedy, below.

Twins update

The Twins are on a season-high four-game winning streak as they head to Oakland this weekend. ... There was plenty of concern about the bullpen after injuries to Jesse Crain, Dennys Reyes and Glenn Perkins, but Twins relievers posted a 1.25 ERA during the six-game homestand that ended Wednesday. ... Can the offense keep it up? The Twins have scored at least four runs in 12 consecutive games and are 22-7 when they score four or more. ... Torii Hunter batted .311 with six home runs and 27 RBI in May. ... Joe Nathan has pitched 11 consecutive scoreless innings.

Athletics update

Oakland is dealing with several injuries. Outfielder Mark Kotsay (back surgery) could make his 2007 debut tonight. Second baseman Mark Ellis has been battling a sore left knee. Third baseman Eric Chavez has triceps tendinitis. Designated hitter Mike Piazza is on the disabled list because of a strained right shoulder. In fact, outfielders Chris Denorfia (elbow) and Bobby Kielty (calf), and pitchers Esteban Loaiza (trapezius), Rich Harden (shoulder) and Huston Street (elbow) are on the DL, too, and that doesn't include several others. ... Oakland was 4-6 against the Twins last season but 3-0 against them in the playoffs.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III

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