The flowers are back in place in right field after workers were able to retrieve Jim Thome's home run ball after last night's game. The search for the ball became more interesting than the game.

Milwaukee might be a little steamed coming into the series. The Brewers have played four straight one-run games and lost the last three in Kansas City by scores of 2-1, 4-3 and 4-3.

Expect Carlos Gomez to start tonight. He's 5-for-7 with 2 homers against Twins lefty Francisco Liriano.

Bad: Denard Span is 0-for-11 against Brewers righthander Yovani Gallardo.

Good: Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau are 9-for-17 against Gallardo.

Bad: Morneau is not in the lineup tonight. We'll let you know why after we speak with manager Ron Gardenhire around 5 p.m.:

Update: Morneau has a sore forearm. He wanted to test it before the game but Gardy told him to take the day off and try it on Saturday.

Brewers (28-35)

1. Norichika Aoki, RF
2. Carlos Gomez, CF
3. Ryan Braun. LF
4. Aramis Ramirez, 3B
5. Corey Hart, 1B
6. Rickie Weeks, DH
7. Cody Ransom, SS
8. Martin Maldonado, C
9. Edwin Maysonet, 2B

Pitching: Yovani Gallardo, RHP


Twins (25-37)

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Ben Revere, RF
3. Joe Mauer, 1B
4. Josh Willingham, LF
5. Ryan Doumit, DH .
6. Trevor Plouffe, 3B
7. Brian Dozier, SS
8. Drew Butera, C
9. Alexi Casillal, 2B

Pitching: Francisco Liriano, LHP