Series preview: Twins vs. Kansas City

Last update: September 8, 2008 - 11:52 PM

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THREE-GAME SERIES AT THE METRODOME

Tonight, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Nick Blackburn (9-8, 3.71 ERA) vs. RHP Brian Bannister (7-14, 5.56)

Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Kevin Slowey (11-9, 3.75) vs. RHP Kyle Davies (6-6, 4.59)

Thursday, 12:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

LHP Francisco Liriano (5-3, 3.33) vs. RHP Brandon Duckworth (2-1, 6.60)

TWINS UPDATE

Brian Buscher has 44 RBI in 59 games. His rate of an RBI every 4.30 at-bats leads all major leaguers with at least 50 at-bats. ... Texas' Josh Hamilton had 95 RBI at the All-Star break to Justin Morneau's 68. But Morneau enters tonight's game only seven behind him, 124-117. The Twins first baseman leads the AL with 10 sacrifice flies. ... Denard Span has 30 stolen bases between the majors and Class AAA Rochester. ... Outfielder Michael Cuddyer, on the mend from a broken left foot, should get clearance to begin light jogging this week.

ROYALS UPDATE

This is Kansas City's first trip to the Dome since April 4-6, when the Twins won two of three games. They also play the final series of the season there. ... Third baseman Alex Gordon is recovering from a torn right hip flexor muscle and is not expected back until later this month. ... Catcher Miguel Olivo recently had a clear-the-air session with manager Trey Hillman over a lack of playing time. There is a mutual option on his contract after the season. ... Brandon Duckworth broke in with the Phillies in 2001 but has had injury setbacks. ... Shortstop Mike Aviles made his major league debut against the Twins on May 29 and has hit .324 since. ... The Royals have won five of their past eight games.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III

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