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(Sports Network) - The Chicago White Sox take aim at their fifth straight win this afternoon, as they play their home opener in the first of a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins at U.S. Cellular Field.
The White Sox, who will be kicking off an eight-game homestand today, enter this series fresh off a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers, including a 13-2 drubbing on Sunday at Comerica Park.
Orlando Cabrera's bases-loaded double highlighted a six-run sixth inning, while Joe Crede finished 4-for-5 with three RBI and a run scored in the win for the White Sox, who are in the midst of their best stretch since winning five in a row from August 10-14, 2006.
Mark Buehrle (1-0), who could not make it out of the second inning on Opening Day, tossed seven strong innings, allowing just two runs -- one earned -- on seven hits.
Heading to the hill today for the White Sox will be right-hander Javier Vazquez, who was 3-0 last season against the Twins with a 2.52 earned run average. He is 4-5 in his career against them, though, with a 4.82 ERA in 13 starts.
Vazquez suffered the loss in his season debut on Wednesday against the Cleveland Indians, as he surrendered four runs and five hits in five innings.
Chicago hopes to play better at home this season than it did a year ago when it finished 38-43 on the South Side - its first losing season there since 1999.
Minnesota, meanwhile, comes into today's opener on a sour note after being denied a sweep in its series with the Kansas City Royals, losing the finale of the set, 3-1, on Sunday at the Metrodome. Justin Morneau's solo homer was the only offense, while Boof Bonser (0-2) pitched well in defeat, surrendering three runs on eight hits in seven innings of work.
Getting the call for the Twins tonight will be rookie Nick Blackburn, who was tagged with the loss, despite a solid performance, in his first major league start on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Blackburn gave up just a run and five hits in seven innings of that one, but go no offensive support in the 1-0 loss.
Blackburn has faced the White Sox once out of the bullpen and surrendered a hit in two scoreless innings.
The Twins will be hitting the road for the first time this season, as they play the next eight games away from home. Last year they were 38-43 as the road team.
Minnesota split its 18 games with the White Sox a year ago, but hold a slight 19-18 edge in the matchup since the start of the 2006 campaign. The Twins are also 9-9 in their last 18 in Chicago.
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