Twins-Angels series preview

Last update: August 21, 2008 - 12:33 AM

four-GAME SERIES AT angels stadium of anaheim

Today, 9:05 p.m. • FSN (1500-AM)

RHP Scott Baker (7-3, 3.91) vs. RHP John Lackey (10-2, 3.22)

Friday, 9:05 p.m. • FSN (1500-AM)

LHP Glen Perkins (10-3, 4.71) vs. LHP Joe Saunders (14-5, 3.14)

Saturday, 8:05 p.m. • FSN (1500-AM)

RHP Nick Blackburn (9-7, 3.71) vs. RHP Jon Garland (11-8, 4.33)

Sunday, 2:25 p.m. • Ch. 29/FSN outstate (1500-AM)

RHP Kevin Slowey (10-8, 3.78) vs. RHP Ervin Santana (13-5, 3.39)

TWINS UPDATE

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire has been pleased with designated hitter Randy Ruiz, right, who is batting .355 with five RBI in 10 games. Gardenhire preferred to keep Ruiz instead of sending him down when it was time to activate Alexi Casilla from the disabled list. ... Delmon Young is batting .316 at night and .220 during the day. ... The Twins lead the majors with 57 bunt hits. Houston is next with 25. ... The Twins haven't played the Angels since losing three of four games to them at the Metrodome to open the season.

ANGELS UPDATE

The Angels entered a Wednesday game at Tampa Bay with the bullpen struggling. Relievers took losses in four of their previous six games, and closer Francisco Rodriguez, right, blew two saves. Rodriguez still leads the majors with 47 saves. ... Garret Anderson entered Wednesday batting .367 with 34 RBI in his previous 37 games. ... The Angels' 15 1/2-game lead in the AL West is the largest in club history. ... The Angels are getting no breaks from the schedule. They flew home from Tampa on Wednesday night.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III