Minnesota @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 23, 2010 ) Minnesota 3, Milwaukee 5

Fortunes can change quickly in baseball.

Just ask the Minnesota Twins.

The Twins came into Milwaukee on a high note after winning the last two games of their series in Philadelphia. Less than 72 hours later, the American League Central leaders are in danger of leaving town on the lowest of low notes, as manager Ron Gardenhire's team looks to avoid a sweep in the finale of their three-game sweep against the Brewers on Thursday afternoon.

The Twins jumped on top 3-0 in the first inning Tuesday night, but the Brewers rallied for a 7-5 win. Milwaukee set a club record with five wild pitches Wednesday night, but hung on for a 5-3 victory.

The fact the Brewers are sending ace Yovani Gallardo to the mound won't increase the Twins' chances for a happy ending at Miller Park.

Although the right-hander hasn't won since June 2, he's pitching like a No. 1 starter. Gallardo has allowed six earned runs in 26 innings in his last four starts. He has one win, one loss and two no-decisions in that span, primarily because the Brewers haven't scored when he's been on the mound.

He was denied a win in his last start after the bullpen couldn't hold a 4-1 lead against Colorado. Gallardo pitched six innings, allowing one run and four hits, but ended up with a no-decision.

Gallardo also earned a no-decision in his start against the Twins in May at Target Field. He gave up four runs in six innings.

Minnesota starter Nick Blackburn must pitch much better than he did on Saturday against the Phillies if the Twins are going to have any chance.

That shouldn't be too difficult.

Blackburn was hammered for eight runs and six hits, including two home runs in 1 2/3 innings. Only a dramatic Twins comeback that resulted in an 11-inning win saved him from another loss in a stretch of bad pitching that's been going on for a month.

Blackburn was 6-1 in his first nine starts, but hasn't won since May 27. His last four starts have been a disaster – Blackburn has pitched a total of 15 innings, allowing 20 earned runs and 32 hits. He's lasted less than four innings in three of those starts.

Aside from having a winning record, Blackburn's numbers are ugly. He has allowed 105 hits in 76 innings and hitters are batting .337 against him.