Oakland @ Minnesota preview
Target Field
Last Meeting ( Sep 17, 2010 ) Oakland 3, Minnesota 1
Here's an example of how well it's been going for the Minnesota Twins lately.
Even when they lose a game, they move closer to repeating as AL Central division champions.
Minnesota's five-game winning streak came to an end on Friday night with a 3-1 loss to the Oakland Athletics. The Twins managed only five hits off four A's pitchers and wasted a strong outing from Nick Blackburn, who gave up three runs in seven innings.
However, the night ended with good news after the fading Chicago White Sox lost their fourth consecutive game with a 9-2 blowout at home against the Detroit Tigers.
Minnesota's magic number to clinch the division was reduced to seven and its lead over the White Sox remained at nine games with 15 to play. Despite the loss, the Twins are 12-3 in September.
Denny Valencia's solo home run in the fifth accounted for the Twins' only run on a night they played without right fielder Jason Kubel (wrist), center fielder Denard Span (shoulder) and catcher Joe Mauer (rest). Mauer pinch-hit with the bases loaded in the seventh inning against Craig Breslow, but flied out.
The Twins, who couldn't do much with Brett Anderson on Friday, face another tough left-hander in Dallas Braden.
Although Braden has pitched poorly in his last two starts, he's capable of shutting down an offense every time he takes the mound. He has five complete games and two shutouts, including his perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 9 and a four-hit shutout over the AL West-leading Texas Rangers on Aug. 28.
Braden has been knocked around in his last two starts against the Seattle Mariners and Boston Red Sox, allowing a combined 10 earned runs and 15 hits in 10 2/3 innings. He has lost his last three starts, with his last win coming against the Rangers.
Braden received a no-decision against the Twins on June 4 at Oakland. He allowed four runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings, but Minnesota eventually won in 11 innings.
Kevin Slowey makes his third start since being sidelined with a right triceps injury. He threw 77 pitches against Kansas City, allowing two runs in four innings in his first start.
Slowey got the win in his last start against the Cleveland Indians, allowing two unearned runs in five innings and throwing 88 pitches.
Jack Cust hit a solo homer for the A's on Friday night while closer Andrew Bailey recorded his 25th save in 28 chances. The victory moved the A's back to the .500 mark.