Twins-Detroit series preview

Last update: September 5, 2008 - 7:45 AM

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THREE-GAME SERIES AT METRODOME

Today, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

LHP Francisco Liriano (4-3, 3.45) vs. RHP Armando Galarraga (12-4, 3.17)

Saturday, 2:55 p.m. • Fox, 1500-AM

RHP Scott Baker (8-4, 3.66) vs. RHP Justin Verlander (10-15, 4.74)

Sunday, 1:10 p.m. • WFTC, 1500-AM

LHP Glen Perkins (12-3, 4.08) vs. RHP Chris Lambert (0-1, 6.75)

TWINS UPDATE

The Twins are 10-5 against the Tigers this season, including 5-1 at the Metrodome. They were 1-8 at the Dome against the Tigers last season. ... Outfielder Michael Cuddyer is still waiting for the broken bone in his left foot to heal. There's a chance he could be available by the end of the regular season, but there are no minor league games available for him to get sharp. ... Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau are batting .364 against Tigers righthander Justin Verlander. ... Lefthander Jose Mijares will be at the Dome tonight to join the Twins. Mijares, a September callup, was unable to travel to Canada for the Blue Jays series because his visa paperwork was not completed.

TIGERS UPDATE

Detroit entered the season with World Series aspirations, but is one of the biggest disappointments in baseball. Manager Jim Leyland appears to be trying to fix some of the problems that cropped up during the season, such as accountability. "I think we have fallen into the trap where we've had too many copouts this year, instead of taking care of our own business," Leyland said. "That's not good." ... Of Miguel Cabrera's 31 homers, 12 have gone to the opposite field. ... Verlander has not beaten a winning team since the All-Star break. ... Chris Lambert, called up from Class AAA Toledo on Aug. 26, is a former first-round pick of the Cardinals who was traded for lefthander Mike Maroth in 2007.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III