Morneau, Span still out as Twins seek first four-game win streak

Brian Duensing takes the mound, looking for his first win in seven starts.

June 5, 2011 at 7:48PM
Brian Duensing
Twins starting pitcher Brian Duensing threw against the Royals in the second inning of a baseball game Sunday in Kansas City, Mo. (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

KANSAS CITY, MO. -- The Twins last four-game sweep in Kansas City came Aug. 3-6, 2006.

They have a chance for another one today, but they'll need a good outing from Brian Duensing, who is 0-5 with a 7.28 ERA in his past six starts.

The Twins are also seeking their first four-game winning streak of the season.

Justin Morneau, who is not in the lineup for the second straight game, is day-to-day with a sore left wrist. Gardenhire said he's guessing Morneau will ask back in the lineup Monday.

Denard Span, who also hasn't played since Friday, is available to pinch hit today. He was checked by a doctor to make sure he didn't have a concussion and feels better today.

Nick Blackburn still has some back stiffness but hopes to make his next start. The Twins also could have him skip a start, with Anthony Swarzak available to fill in.

Manager Ron Gardenhire reiterated that he's hoping to use Tsuyoshi Nishioka at shortstop and Alexi Casilla at second base when Nishioka returns from the disabled list. Nishioka is scheduled to begin his rehab stint with Class A Fort Myers on Monday and likely will head to Class AAA Rochester before returning to the Twins.

Joe Mauer is in the lineup as the DH today for Fort Myers. Here's a link to listen to listen to that game.

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TWINS (20-37)

1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Alexi Casilla, SS
3. Michael Cuddyer, DH
4. Danny Valencia, 3B
5. Delmon Young, LF
6. Luke Hughes, 1B
7. Jason Repko, RF
8. Drew Butera, C
9. Matt Tolbert, 2B

Starting pitcher: LH Brian Duensing (2-5, 5.37 ERA)

ROYALS (25-32)

1. Alex Gordon, LF
2. Melky Cabrera, CF
3. Eric Hosmer, 1B
4. Jeff Francoeur, RF
5. Billy Butler, DH
6. Wilson Betemit, 3B
7. Mike Aviles, 2B
8. Brayan Pena, C
9. Alcides Escobar, SS

Starting pitcher: LH Jeff Francis (2-5, 4.46 ERA)

Kauffman Stadium. First pitch: 1:10 p.m. TV: FSN. Twins Radio Network

about the writer

about the writer

Joe Christensen

Sports team leader

Joe Christensen, a Minnesota Star Tribune sports team leader, graduated from the University of Minnesota and spent 15 years covering Major League Baseball, including stops at the Riverside Press-Enterprise and Baltimore Sun. He joined the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2005 and spent four years covering Gophers football.

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