Series preview: Twins at Boston

Last update: July 6, 2008 - 8:23 PM

THREE-GAME SERIES AT FENWAY PARK

Tonight, 6:05 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Scott Baker (5-2, 3.65 ERA)

vs RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (9-1, 3.12)

Tuesday, 6:05 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Nick Blackburn (7-4, 3.78)

vs LHP Jon Lester (7-3, 3.21)

Wednesday, 12:05 p.m. • FSN, 1500 AM

RHP Livan Hernandez (9-5, 5.18)

vs RHP Josh Beckett (8-5, 3.70)

TWINS UPDATE

The Twins, who make their only scheduled appearance at Boston this season, are 9-10 at Fenway Park under Ron Gardenhire. ... Gardenhire said he will use Brendan Harris at third base against lefthanded starters most of the time but said there are some lefties he will let Brian Buscher face. ... Harris is 5-for-12 against Josh Beckett. Mike Lamb is 4-for-5 with a homer against Beckett. Is that enough to get him off the bench for one day? ... The Twins lead the AL and are second in the majors with 25 triples. ... The Twins beat Boston three of four at the Metrodome May 9-12, when Lamb was at third, Matt Tolbert was getting some starts at second, and Adam Everett was at short.

RED SOX UPDATE

If the Twins are going to get to Daisuke Matsuzaka tonight, they should strike early. Opponents have a .406 on-base percentage in the first inning against him, which backs up the belief that he struggles with his control early. Matsuzaka beat the Twins on May 10. ... Former Twins slugger David Ortiz is still recovering from a torn tendon in his left wrist and is not expected to return until after the All-Star break, though he will be in attendance at the All-Star Game, where he was voted in the starting DH. ... Jonathan Papelbon is the first Red Sox pitcher to have three seasons of at least 25 saves. ... Boston is second in the AL in runs scored, third in home runs and second in stolen bases.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III

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