Series preview: Twins vs. Kansas City

Last update: October 1, 2009 - 11:11 PM

THREE-GAME SERIES AT THE METRODOME

Tonight, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Jeff Manship (0-1, 5.81 ERA) vs.

LHP Lenny DiNardo (0-2, 7.52)

Saturday, 3:10 p.m. • Ch. 9, 1500-AM

RHP Nick Blackburn (11-11, 4.08) vs.

RHP Zack Greinke (16-8, 2.06)

Sunday, 1:10 p.m. • Ch. 29, 1500-AM

LHP Brian Duensing (5-2, 3.69 ERA) vs.

RHP Luke Hochevar (7-12, 6.24)

TWINS UPDATE

Shortstop Orlando Cabrera has scored at least one run in 12 consecutive games. He is the first Twins player to score in 12 games in a row since Kirby Puckett, who did it 14 games in a row in April and May 1986. Cabrera also extended his hitting streak to 12 games; he has 12 RBI during that streak. ... Michael Cuddyer reached 90 RBI on Thursday, joining Jason Kubel, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau at that mark. It's the first time four Twins have collected 90 or more RBI in the same season ... Delmon Young is 18-for-48 (.375) with seven RBI in his past 13 games.

ROYALS UPDATE

After avoiding a three-game sweep behind Greinke on Sunday in Kansas City, the Royals lost two of three at Yankee Stadium. Greinke didn't pitch in that series but was asked if he wonders what it's like to pitch in the playoffs. "I don't want to pitch for New York in the playoffs," Greinke said. "I want to pitch for Kansas City in the playoffs." The Royals have a long ways to go, but Greinke's starts have held an almost playoff-like importance for them, as he chases the AL Cy Young Award. ... With 21 home runs and 51 doubles, Billy Butler is the 25th hitter to rack up those totals by age 23. The past four were David Ortiz, Magglio Ordonez, Grady Sizemore and Albert Pujols.

JOE CHRISTENSEN

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