Minnesota @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 8, 2010 ) Minnesota 5, Cleveland 4

The numbers are all in the Minnesota Twins' favor.

Going into the opener of a three-game series against Cleveland tonight, the Twins have won six consecutive games, are 8-2 in their last 10 games and lead Chicago by six games in the American League Central.

Minnesota is closing in on its second straight division title despite going through a series of setbacks that began in spring training when closer Joe Nathan went down with an elbow injury. First baseman Justin Morneau hasn't played since July 7 because of a concussion and even Brian Fuentes, acquired last month to shore up the bullpen, has appeared in only game because of a sore back. Designated hitter Jim Thome missed Wednesday's game with an abdominal strain, but that isn't believed to be serious.

The Twins have persevered, as they do almost every season. One big reason for that has been the performance of Carl Pavano, who starts the series opener. While the rest of the starting pitchers have battled inconsistency and injuries, the veteran right-hander has been a rock for manager Ron Gardenhire.

Pavano already has six complete games, trailing only Cliff Lee who leads the league with seven, in 28 starts. He went into the season with seven complete games in his career so showing this kind of durability at the age of 34 is quite an accomplishment.

Pavano broke a three-game losing streak by beating Texas in his last start. He held the Rangers to three runs and eight hits in eight innings for his first win since Aug. 13.

Pavano began last season with Cleveland before being traded to the Twins. He has faced the Indians once this season. Pavano picked up the win, allowing two runs and seven hits in seven innings.

His opponent, Fausto Carmona, has lost six consecutive starts and is winless since Aug. 2, when he defeated Boston in Fenway Park. The right-hander has had a couple of rocky outings, including a loss to the Twins on Aug. 7 in which he allowed five runs and 10 hits in 7 1/3 innings. Carmona also lost to Minnesota on April 30, giving up six runs and eight hits in six innings.

Carmona lost his last start in Seattle, but pitched one of his best games of the season. He allowed one run in eight innings, but the Indians dropped a 1-0 decision.

Pavano and Carmona are a rarity for starting pitchers in this day and age. Both pitch deep enough in games to be involved in the decision most of the time they take the mound. Pavano has 26 decisions in 28 starts while Carmona has 25 decisions in 28 starts.

The Indians won four of seven on a west coast trip, which ended with a 4-3 loss in 16 innings to Los Angeles on Wednesday.