Twins vs. Toronto series preview

Last update: June 25, 2007 - 12:14 AM

FOUR-GAME SERIES AT THE METRODOME

Tonight, 7:10 p.m., FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Kevin Slowey (2-0, 4.43 ERA) vs. RHP Roy Halladay (8-2, 4.08)

Tuesday, 7:10 p.m., FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Scott Baker (2-2, 6.75) vs. RHP Shaun Marcum (4-2, 3.38)

Wednesday, 7:10 p.m., FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Boof Bonser (5-3, 4.45) vs. RHP Josh Towers (2-5, 5.75)

Thursday, 12:10 p.m., Ch. 29, 1500-AM

RHP Carlos Silva (5-8, 3.98) vs. RHP A.J. Burnett (5-6, 4.00)

KEY MATCHUP

Halladay was recovering from an appendectomy when the Twins took two of three from the Blue Jays a month ago at the Metrodome. The Blue Jays have won all five of his starts since he returned, and he is 4-0 with a 3.37 ERA in that span. Jeff Cirillo is 3-for-8 lifetime against Halladay but other Twins have struggled, including Torii Hunter (2-for-23) and Joe Mauer (0-for-9).

TWINS UPDATE

The team skipped Slowey last time through the rotation, so he'll be making his first start since June 17. The Twins are 4-0 in his starts, as his run support average is 8.46, compared to 3.79 for Carlos Silva. Lefthanded hitters are batting .286 against Slowey, and righthanders .333. Toronto's top righthanded hitters include Vernon Wells, Frank Thomas, Troy Glaus and Alex Rios.

BLUE JAYS UPDATE

Fans could see history this week. Thomas hit his 499th home run Sunday and could become the 21st player to reach 500. The Big Hurt's first career homer came at the Metrodome off Twins lefthander Gary Wayne on Aug. 28, 1990. The Blue Jays, who have won 15 of 25, returned to the .500 mark Sunday for the first time since May 1 after sweeping the previously hot Rockies.

JOE CHRISTENSEN

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