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Twins send Slowey to the hill versus Indians

Sat 2nd, August 2008

(Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins hope Kevin Slowey can help them maintain their position in the AL Central, as they resume a three-game series with the Cleveland Indians at the Metrodome.

Minnesota remained a half game behind the division-leading Chicago White Sox on Friday, as Joe Mauer hit a two-run homer and Nick Blackburn was solid on the hill, helping the Twins to a 4-1 win.

Blackburn (8-6) threw seven frames and gave up just one run on six hits. Joe Nathan recorded his 30th save with a scoreless ninth.

Brendan Harris had two doubles, an RBI and scored for the Twins, who have won two straight and six of seven. However, they did not gain any ground thanks to Chicago's win in Kansas City.

The Twins also made some news off the field on Friday, as they announced that Francisco Liriano will start Sunday's finale. He takes the roster spot left vacated by Opening Day starter Livan Hernandez, who was designated for assignment.

Jeremy Sowers (1-6) took the loss as he gave up four runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Jhonny Peralta recorded the only RBI for the Indians, who have lost seven of 10. Kelly Shoppach and Ryan Garko both had two hits in defeat.

Slowey, meanwhile, is coming off his best effort of the season, as he tossed a six-hit shutout against the White Sox on Monday to run his record to 7-7 on the year, while lowering his earned run average to 4.00.

The 24-year-old righty, who has won five of his last six decisions, is 1-0 in two starts versus the Indians with a 4.91 ERA in those outings.

Cleveland will pin its hopes on 37-year-old right-hander Paul Byrd, who has won his last two starts after losing five straight decisions. Byrd was brilliant against the Detroit Tigers on Monday, scattering four hits over 7 2/3 scoreless innings to improve to 5-10 on the season, while lowering his ERA to 4.93.

Byrd has faced the Twins 19 times over the course of his 13-year career and is 10-5 against them with a 4.06 ERA.

Cleveland, who has lost nine of its 13 games with the Twins this season, has also dropped six of its seven meetings with the Twins at the Metrodome this season, with Minnesota sweeping a three-game home set from the Indians in July.

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